We walked into school, and Caroline quickly left us—cheerleading captain duties called. That left me with Elena, and I mentally sighed. I needed to at least get along with her. Her life was the beacon that would draw every major supernatural player into town.
But maybe the fact that we weren't exactly besties was a good thing. If I wasn't close to her, nobody would expect me to throw my life on the line for hers.
I walked with her toward her locker, trying to make easy conversation.
"Mattie's looking at you," I said, noticing the blond jock staring at Elena with sad puppy eyes.
The doppelgänger turned and waved at her ex-boyfriend, only to be ignored. Honestly, Damon deserved thanks for compelling Elena out of that relationship. Saved me from rolling my eyes every time someone said how "perfect" they were together.
"He hates me," she muttered.
"That's not hate," I snorted. "That's the look puppies give when their owners abandon them at the kennel."
Elena shot me a glare, but I ignored it. She knew I was right.
We continued down the hall until we passed the school office. A certain Salvatore was inside, and I decided to borrow a line from canon Bonnie.
"Hold up," I said. "Who's this?"
"All I see is a back," Elena replied, déjà vu hitting me hard. Up until now, none of our conversations had matched the pilot exactly—not even the car ride here. Mostly because I'd used magic to kill the crow before it hit my windshield and skipped Grams' "crazy talk." But still.
"It's a hot back," I quipped, remembering Bonnie's line. And yes, I checked Stefan's ass. Not my type, but definitely easy on the eyes.
"He's got the Angel vibe going for him," I added. Broody vegetarian vampire, anyone?
"Angel?" Elena asked, confused.
"He's a broody vampire with a soul from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. You should watch it—it's a great show." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Stefan tense at the V-word.
"I might," Elena said, before spotting Jeremy down the hall. "I'll be right back." She hurried off.
I stayed put, wanting a front-row seat to the official Stelena meet-cute. Sure enough, a few minutes later Elena emerged from the boys' bathroom and collided with Stefan. Cliché, but entertaining.
I headed to History class and found Caroline on the way. Another difference from canon—Caroline didn't originally have History with us. But I'd convinced her that annoying Tanner together would be fun, so she switched.
Barely a minute into class, Tanner was already droning about the Civil War. Caroline and I noticed Stelena exchanging looks and rolled our eyes in unison. Caroline was annoyed Elena had a vampire hottie staring at her. I was disgusted they were already trading "true love" stares across the room. I swear I threw up a little in my mouth.
The rest of the school day flew by. I ended up having lunch at the Grill with Caroline. Elena said she had something to do—I knew she was visiting her parents' graves, stalked by one of Damon's crows. I still wondered how that worked. In the books, Damon could turn into a crow, but the show never explained it. And he only used them in the first few episodes anyway.
I bit into my greasy burger while Caroline twirled a curly fry. The Grill was packed, as always. Seriously, Mystic Falls needed more restaurants.
"His name is Stefan Salvatore," Caroline said between bites. "He lives with his uncle at the old Boarding House. Military family, moved around a lot. He's a Gemini, favorite color blue."
"His name's right," I confirmed. "And he does live with Zach Salvatore—but Zach isn't really his uncle."
"Really?" Caroline asked, mystified. Gossip and Caroline were a dangerous mix.
"It's the other way around. Don't forget—he's a vampire. He hasn't been here in years, but even then he was already a vamp, not a kid. Military family, my ass. And I'm pretty sure his birthday's in November, so not a Gemini." Though honestly, Gemini would fit. Stefanlus—the evil twin—was one hell of a ripper.
"Am I gonna get lucky with this guy, or has Elena already sunk her claws into him?" Caroline sighed. She always felt inferior to Elena. I didn't see it, but she did. No matter how many times I told her she was awesome, she still felt second best. That's why I wanted her turned—she deserved the confidence I knew she had.
As for Stereoline? They'd be great friends, sure. He'd help her with the vampire stuff. But romantically? I couldn't picture it. Maybe because I was biased toward Klaroline.
"Stelena is happening, whether we like it or not," I groaned.
"Ugh, why aren't there any vamp hotties for me?" Caroline huffed, popping another fry.
"Well…" I hesitated. Damon and Caroline had a dark beginning, and I didn't want her used as a blood bag. But I also knew the moment she saw Damon, she'd want to jump him. So I went with the flow. "Stefan has a brother. Tall, dark, dangerous. Very hot, but—"
"Yaaas!" she cheered. Dry spell confirmed.
"His name's Damon. He's a vampire too, but way more dangerous than Stefan. If you want to get involved, drink vervain tea daily. And tell him you know what he is."
"If he's so dangerous, won't he be pissed I know his secret?" Caroline asked smartly.
"Yes. That's why you're going to drop the 'Bennett witch is my friend' bomb the moment you meet him," I said firmly. Damon wasn't stable—Katherine had him twisted. But he needed a Bennett witch to open the tomb, and killing my best friend would piss me off. If Caroline wanted to jump his bones, she had to make it clear I'd fry his brain if he hurt her.
"Hmmm…" Caroline hummed. "He sounds hot, but I don't know if I want to sleep with a bloodsucker. I'm not that kinky."
"Do what you want, but be safe," I told her. I wasn't her mom—I was her friend. I couldn't make her choices. And canon Caroline did sleep with Damon anyway.
"Always," she said with a smile. "I'm heading home. Don't forget we're meeting here tonight after dinner."
"See you tonight," I waved.
Left alone, I sighed. Living in Mystic Falls really was like living on the Hellmouth.
A/N: 1 — I named Ripper Stefan "Stefanlus," because Evil Angel is called Angelus. I thought it was funny.