Alaric walked quickly through the halls of Mystic Falls High, trying in vain to ignore the curious looks he received. Three days had gone by since Mrs. Lockwood spread the news that it hadn`t been him who died in that car crash. And still everyone was staring at him and whispering behind his back. Probably the worst thing about it was that he could hear exactly what they were saying. Vampire-hearing had its down-sides after all.
He had just left the administration's office, where he had signed a new contract. After thinking it through for some time and discussing it with Damon, who had been anything but helpful, Ric had decided to take Carol Lockwood up on her offer and work as a history teacher again. He would start next week, although he still wasn`t really sure if it was the right thing to do.
He was still scared he might not be able to control his emotions and maybe even end up hurting a student. It was a fear he couldn`t shake, no matter how often Damon insisted that he was doing great. In the end he had only agreed to get his old job back, because he couldn`t find a good excuse not to do it. Officially he had only been home in Boston for a while, to help his parents while they recovered from an accident. Now he was back in Mystic Falls and what reason should he have for coming back, if not to resume his old life here? And that included his old job.
Even Damon had agreed in the end and had promised to help him as best as he could. Although Ric wasn`t sure if he had been joking when he`d offered to bring him a blood-bag during lunch break. After all, the dark haired vampire insisted vehemently that Ric had to learn how to drink directly from the source. And Ric had to admit that his arguments were pretty reasonable. Still, just the thought of feeding from a human scared him shitless. What if he wouldn`t be able to stop? If he accidently killed someone? Became a ripper? He was a nearly un-killable original vampire. Would Damon even be strong enough to stop him if he had to?
So far Damon had shown uncharacteristic patience with his boyfriend. He supplied him with blood-bags and taught him to control his emotions. He was a lot better at this than Alaric would have expected. On his first day back Damon had even allowed Ric to feed from him. Ric had been so afraid of hurting him. Of taking too much. But at that time it had been the best option. They`d been about to drive back from Lafayette, with no chance to get blood-bags on the way. Feeding from Damon had been better than not feeding at all and maybe even attacking Jeremy in the end.
And it had been an incredible experience. Alaric couldn`t really describe the feeling. It was like feeding from Damon had brought them that much closer together. The dark haired vampire had later confessed, that it was a very intimate act, to feed from another vampire. It was something that usually only lovers did. The fact that he had offered it made Ric love him even more.
Alaric stopped in the hallway to watch a dark haired guy, who was setting up some sort of exhibition with the help of a few students. Alaric had passed the guy in the hallway earlier and had found him strange, without being able to tell why. Something about him just felt off. Maybe it was the strange glint in his eyes. And what the hell was the guy doing over there? Ric saw mostly a bunch of old stones and wondered what could be so interesting about that.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" The teacher jumped in shock at the voice next to him. He had been so completely lost in thought that he hadn`t even heard Caroline approaching. "I just signed a new contract. Starting next week I`ll be your history teacher again." he explained, glad that at least the blonde was treating him normally. The other kids were all giving him pitying looks, obviously still convinced that Damon was just playing with him. The tense atmosphere was really grating on his nerves.
"That`s great. Your replacement was a complete idiot!" Caroline let him know. Ric laughed and looked back at the stranger. "Who is that?" The blonde followed his line of sight and shrugged. "Oh, that`s Professor Shane. He usually teaches at Whitmore College. He took over the classes of Bonnie`s Grams. He`s here to do an exhibition on occultism." she explained. "Occultism?" Ric questioned, wondering what that had to do with those old stones.
"He knows a lot about witches and stuff. Bonnie`s totally into him. He contacted her some time ago, because he`d found some stuff that belonged to her Grams. And he`s helping her with her magic. She`s spending a lot of time with him lately." Professor Shane glanced in their direction and Ric had to suppress a shudder. He couldn`t tell why, but the guy was creepy. "Is he a warlock?" That could explain his uneasy feeling. But Caroline shook her head. "No, just a normal human. But he knows a lot."
The teacher didn`t like that. Bonnie was behaving strangely and then there was this Professor, who knew a lot about witches and spent a lot of time with her… Sighing the teacher shook his head. He was just being paranoid. But still… "What do you think of him?" he asked the blonde. Caroline shrugged. "I don`t know. He seems nice. Bonnie really likes him. And he`s… well, hot." she mumbled. "But?" Ric prodded. „But… he`s a little… creepy." Caroline admitted.
"Good. At least I`m not the only one who feels it." Alaric murmured and Caroline looked at him in surprise. "You think he`s creepy, too?" she asked. "Yeah. I have no idea what it is, but the guy definitely gives me the creeps." he admitted, without taking his eyes off the Professor. "Yeah, well.. whatever it is, I feel it, too. But I`ve got to go now. See you later." Caroline finally took her leave.
Alaric mused that he should probably go home. Damon would be waiting for him and since he had to walk at human speed it would take some time. On the other hand he had a feeling that it might be a good idea to find out more about the strange Professor. Hesitating a little, he finally made his way over and looked at the old stones. A few seconds later the Professor greeted him with a friendly smile. "Hey, I don`t think we`ve met. I`m Atticus Shane." Ric shook his hand. „Alaric Saltzman. I`m the history teacher." he introduced himself.
Shane gave him a curious look. „Ah yes, the one who got resurrected from the dead." he commented. Ric had no idea if the guy had just heard the rumours and was trying to make a joke or if Bonnie had told him the truth. The way he was looking at him was strange. So he just nodded and forced a smile to his face. "Exactly."
Not giving Shane a chance to reply to that, Alaric pointed to the stones on the low table. "So, what`s all that?" The professor seemed very pleased by his interest and started explaining eagerly: "This is what people believed to be the world's first tombstone. It belonged to a very powerful witch. Maybe the most powerful of all times. Her story is fascinating and very tragic. Do you want to hear it?" Ric shrugged. "Sure, why not."
"It`s pretty much a tragic love story. The witch created a spell that would grant her and her lover immortality, so they`d never have to part. Sadly for her, Silas, her lover, wanted to give immortality to another woman. The end of the story is tragic, as can be expected. The witch killed the other woman and buried Silas alive, leaving him powerless, immortal, and alone, waiting for a chance to rise again."
Shane`s eyes had taken on a faraway-look, like he was seeing something, that wasn`t there. His voice sounded strange and Ric shuddered. The professor seemed to believe in that legend. Finally he shook himself out of his trance and looked at Ric again. "Really fascinating." the teacher agreed. "But I really have to get going. It was nice meeting you. And thanks for the story."
"Yes, of course. I`ll be here for a few more days. I`m sure we`ll meet again. And I hope you`re coming to the opening of my exhibition tomorrow." Alaric forced a smile to his face. "I`m not sure if I can make it." He took his leave and hastily walked away. After this brief encounter he was convinced that there was really something off about the professor.
###
When Alaric reached the boarding house Damon greeted him with the words: "What took you so long?" The teacher sighed. "Paper work. You know how it is. And I had to walk back from school." He wasn`t sure if he should tell his boyfriend about Professor Shane. He couldn`t even explain to himself why he didn`t trust the guy. "You could have called. I would`ve picked you up." Ric only shrugged and mused that he really needed to get a new car. His own had been destroyed in the accident Sheriff Forbes had staged to fake his death.
"When will you start working again?" the older vampire asked. "Next week." Damon rolled his eyes, obviously not happy about this answer. Ric walked over and pulled him into his arms. "Hey, I`m still unsure if it was a good idea or not myself. I`m scared of accidently eating a student, you know? But we talked about this and I thought we had agreed that I have no good excuse not to work as a teacher again."
"Yeah, we did." Damon agreed with a sigh. „And you won`t eat anyone. You like your students. Mostly. And you`re control is really good." He stopped himself from mentioning that Ric really had to learn how to drink from the source. They had been discussing this often enough over the last few days. He didn`t want to get into a fight again. He could even understand Ric`s fear. The teacher still had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that he was a vampire now. After all, it wasn`t something he had chosen willingly. It had been forced on him.
Damon was trying really hard to help him. To see it from his point of view, to be patient and understanding. He could even understand him on some level. Stefan had practically forced him to complete the transition. It hadn`t been his choice either. But no matter how much he understood what Ric was going through, he knew it would do no good to let the teacher continue like this. Ric had to accept the fact that he was a vampire now. With everything that entailed.
Stefan had also offered his help, but the teacher had declined and told him to concentrate on Elena instead. The younger Salvatore had frowned and looked worried. He really believed he was the only one who could show a new vampire the ropes. Damon was still waiting to see how that would turn out for Elena, who only fed from animals so far. He was starting to worry that Stefan was unknowingly raising a new ripper. But that was probably Stefan`s problem.
"Want to head to the Grill?" the dark-haired vampire asked, changing the subject. Ric nodded. "Sure. But maybe I should…" He didn`t have to finish his sentence. Damon knew what he meant and had to bite his tongue so he wouldn`t start the by now familiar discussion. "You know where the blood-bags are." he mumbled without looking at his boyfriend. Ric didn`t reply, but Damon could hear him going downstairs and opening the freezer.
Once he had returned to the library he took Damon`s hand and waited, until the older vampire looked at him. "I know that you`re right. But.. I just need some more time. Okay?" he asked quietly. The older one sighed and nodded. Not much else he could do, when Ric was giving him that pleading and insecure look. "Okay." He would give him time. A day. Maybe two. „Thank you." the teacher whispered, dropping a quick kiss on his lips.
Since the inevitable discussion was postponed once more, they headed to the Mystic Grill and took their usual seats at the bar. Once again Ric could feel all eyes on himself, while the other guests gossiped among each other. Obviously there were still a few people who hadn`t heard of his return yet and were now being filled in by others. It was almost amusing how much the story Carol Lockwood had told the press had been altered by now. Just this morning Ric had heard the newest version, stating that he`d witnessed a murder and had been placed in the Witness protection program.
But no matter how funny it could be, all this getting stared at was really grating on his nerves. He hated being the centre of attention and he hated it even more, when people talked behind his back. Of course Damon noticed that. "Maybe we should give them a real reason to gossip." he suggested with a dirty grin. Ric chuckled, but quickly looked away. It wouldn`t do to give Damon ideas.
But then again, could it really get worse? Already people were staring at him. Pointing fingers at him and gossiping behind his back. And it didn`t look like they were going to stop anytime soon. Alaric hesitated a second and then made a spontaneous decision. Half-turning towards the older vampire he put his hand high on Damon`s leg. Damon raised his eyebrows and gave him a curious look. "Maybe you`re right." Ric murmured slowly. „Maybe it`s better to get it over with right now and give them something to talk about, then to wait a few more weeks and start this shit anew."
The teacher was all too aware of the many stares directed their way. It felt like everyone was watching them. But he didn`t want to keep his relationship secret. He had wasted too much time being afraid. So why not get it over with right now? Damon seemed very happy with that idea. With a grin he moved closer and sealed the teacher`s lips with a chaste kiss. Alaric kissed him back, albeit a little reluctantly. He hadn`t really expected this, but he also didn`t have objections. If they had to out themselves, why not do it with a bang?
The kiss lasted only a few seconds. After breaking apart they turned back to the bar. The noise was deafening. Ric could practically feel all the eyes staring at his back and some of what was being said he would`ve heard even without his enhanced hearing. Damon seemed to enjoy all the attention and the uproar they had caused. Ric on the other hand felt uncomfortable and was almost regretting his decision. But now it was too late to turn back.
"I met a certain Professor Shane earlier today. He`s helping Bonnie with her magic." he told Damon in an attempt to take his mind off of the whispering people around them. "Okay. So?" Damon looked like he didn`t understand the sudden change of topic. "That guy is creepy. I don`t know what it is, but… he gives me Goosebumps." Alaric admitted quietly. The older vampire gave him a curious look. He seemed about to make fun of him, but then thought better of it. "When he`s helping Bonnie he`s probably a witch as well. They can be creepy."
"No, Caroline said he`s a normal human. He just knows a lot about witches." Ric explained. "You discussed him with vampire Barbie?" Damon asked, clearly annoyed. „She was walking past when I was watching him. She feels it, too." The dark haired vampire snorted. "I can`t explain it, but… I have a bad feeling about the guy. I just think we should have an eye on him." the teacher continued.
Damon was about to answer, when suddenly Matt chimed in. The barkeeper had just put new drinks in front of them and heard the last of their talk. "You`re talking about Professor Shane?" The older vampire gave him a dark look, clearly annoyed at being interrupted. Alaric on the other hand was glad that Matt was talking to them normally again. "Yes, I met him earlier today. You know him?"
"I got roped into helping him set up his exhibition and he asked a lot of strange questions." the blond teen let them know. "What kind of questions?" Damon asked. „About Mystic Falls and the people who live here. He wanted to know if there had been strangers visiting lately. Or if there had been weird things happening. Stuff like that. And April said he knew her dad. Maybe I`m getting paranoid, but I think that`s suspicious." Matt answered eagerly.
"April?" Alaric couldn`t remember hearing that name before. He never had a student who was called April. "April Young. Pastor Young`s daughter. She went to a boarding school somewhere, but now she`s back. She`s living with her uncle`s family now." Matt explained. Damon and Alaric exchanged a quick look. They knew exactly what the other was thinking. A strange Professor, who was asking a lot of questions and who had also known the Pastor, who´s Farm had gotten blown up with most of the council members inside.
"Alright. I`m calling Liz. Maybe she can dig something up about that Professor." the dark haired vampire finally agreed. Ric nodded, glad that Damon was taking him seriously. Matt went back to work, while the two vampires enjoyed their drinks. But still Alaric could hear the mutters all around them. New guests had arrived and now were being told the exciting news.
He glanced over his shoulder when he heard someone mutter "fucking fags…", but he couldn`t tell who had said it. At least half of the other patrons were openly staring at him and Damon. Most of them looked away quickly, when he tried to meet their eyes. Then he looked to the door and spied Elena, Stefan and Bonnie entering the Grill. Great, just what he needed right now. He didn`t miss the dark look the young witch cast their way. Rolling his eyes in annoyance he turned back to Damon. "Let`s head back to your place."
Damon looked at him with raised eyebrows and seemed about to make a sarcastic comment. But then he spied the three supernatural teenagers heading their way and smirked. Ric was expecting the worst. And he was right, because seconds later Damon stated loudly: "No, Ric I don`t have handcuffs at home. But we could ask Sheriff Forbes to lend us some if you like."
Ric felt the sudden urge to throttle his boyfriend. Instead he emptied his glass and put some money on the counter, without looking at Matt. Pointedly ignoring Damon he got up and walked towards the exit, passing Elena, Stefan and Bonnie on his way. He greeted them with a nod and tried in vain to ignore their pitying looks.
Damon caught up to him when he reached the parking lot. "Come on, Ric. Don`t be such a bore. That was funny." the dark haired vampire insisted. „Maybe for you." Ric barked, searching his pockets for the car keys until he remembered that he didn`t have a car at the moment. They had driven here in Damon´s Camaro. He was seriously contemplating just walking home, when the older vampire appeared next to him and pressed him against the side of the car.
"I`m sorry. You know me. Sometimes I just do stupid things. Come home with me and I`ll make it up to you." Damon promised, giving him an innocent look. He didn`t look sorry at all. In fact he looked rather smug. But an apology was somewhat a novelty. For a few moments they just stood there. Finally Alaric relented. He pulled his boyfriend closer and hugged him. How the hell was he supposed to stay mad at Damon, when the guy kept looking at him like that? And he did know Damon. He should`ve known what he was getting himself into. "You better." he finally murmured.
They got into the car and Damon pulled his mobile phone out of his pocket. "I`m calling Liz." he explained, earning himself a sceptical look from Alaric. "Because of the weird Professor, Ric." Damon stated, rolling his eyes, before continuing with a grin: "But if you like I can also ask her about handcuffs." Ric had to bite back a grin himself. "No need. I think I`ve got some vervaine soaked ropes lying around somewhere." he shot back. "Ouch." Damon commented with a pout.
Then he gave the teacher a calculating look. "How about a compromise? We`ll find something that won`t burn both of us and I`ll let you tie me to the bed. Or to a chair or whatever." he purred. Ric bit his lip in thought. He wasn`t sure if his boyfriend was serious, but the offer was tempting. "Deal." he finally murmured, leaning back in his seat. Damon grinned and dialled Liz' number.
###
Once at the boarding house Damon "apologized" enthusiastically, but without ropes or anything. Afterwards they grabbed a bottle of bourbon and settled down in front of the fireplace. Alaric couldn`t remember the last time he had been able to just sit on the couch and read a book. The Salvatores had a rather spectacular library and Damon had generously told him to take whatever he wanted. The dark haired vampire had grabbed a book himself and was currently cuddled against Ric`s side, although he appeared to be dowsing instead of reading.
Of course the peace and quiet was short lived. All too soon they were interrupted by Elena and Stefan. "Half the town is gossiping about you two!" Elena stated accusingly. "Matt pretends he hasn`t seen anything, since he was back in the storage room, but Bethany Fell said you two were making out in the Grill." The brunette stopped in front of the couch and glared down at the two men, obviously waiting for them to deny it. Damon looked up at her over the edge of his book. "So?"
"You… you didn`t…" Elena stammered completely shocked. „Well, I wouldn`t they we were making out. It was only one innocent little kiss." the dark haired vampire murmured. The brunette shook her head, visibly searching for words. "What the hell were you thinking? Alaric?" she looked at the teacher, who had been quiet so far. Now he put his book down with a sigh and met her eyes. "I`m not keeping my relationship secret. And since everyone is already pointing fingers at me and whispering behind my back I thought it wouldn`t really change much."
"I don`t believe this!" Elena practically screamed, shaking her head and storming upstairs. Stefan, who had been strangely silent the whole time, just cast a speculating look towards his brother before following her. "Sounds like we`re the town gossip." Damon commented rather pleased with himself. Alaric didn`t answer. He was seriously contemplating not leaving the house for the next few days. Maybe the first uproar would die down then.
Shortly after Elena and Stefan had disappeared upstairs, where Ric could still hear them arguing, when he concentrated, they were again interrupted. This time it by the ringing of Damon´s cell phone. "Liz, my favourite Sheriff." the dark haired vampire joked. Ric rolled his eyes and listened in on their conversation. "Damon, I checked that Professor, like you asked me to. Well… for the most part he`s inconspicuous. No police record, not even a parking ticket or anything. But then something caught my eye."
"Okay, go on." Damon prodded. „I recognized his office number. It took me a moment to place it, but then I remembered that I had seen it while checking Pastor Young`s phone records. He called this number almost every day for the last month. And on the day of the explosion there were ten phone calls from Pastor Young to Professor Shane." Liz explained. Damon and Ric shared a quick look. „Okay, that is suspicious. Thanks for your help, Liz."
„Anytime. That`s my job." she assured. Hesitating a moment she continued: "Damon… I can`t do more here. I can`t even question Shane about Pastor Young, because the investigation concerning the explosion is closed. It was declared as a tragic accident. If he really had something to do with it…" she broke off, but Damon knew what she meant. "Ric and I are going to find out more about that Professor." he promised. Liz thanked him and hung up.
"Okay, you were right. There`s definitely something off about that guy." Damon had to admit. Alaric was glad that he hadn`t imagined things. Even though he would have preferred the alternative. After all, they had no idea what Shane wanted. "Maybe we should talk to him. Any idea where we can find him?" the dark haired vampire asked. "Yeah, at the school. He invited me to the opening of his exhibition tomorrow." Damon nodded. "Good. Then we`ll go to his exhibition."