CHAPTER NINETEEN: A whole different person
WARNINGS: stefan, mentioned/implied homophobia, blood, damon

"LAST NIGHT, THERE WAS A DISTURBANCE AT the hospital blood bank last night," Liz told Athena and Damon with a serious look and a sigh, "some of the supply was compromised."

"Compromised as in stolen?" Athena had worded it like a question but really, it was a statement. And she had an inkling on who had done it.

Liz nodded, "we almost missed it. Whoever did, altered the inventory records, but when the night manager was questioned, he had zero recollection of changing them."

"Meaning the vampire who stole the blood used mind control to hide the theft," John pitched in from the other side of the room. He acted like he was speaking to two toddlers.

"No shit, really?" Athena asked sarcastically, eyes wide in mock disbelief, "a vampire tried to cover its tracks when it stole its food? Shocker!" She rolled her eyes and leaned back against the wall.

Liz scoffed, ducking her head as a smile blossomed on her lips.

Damon nodded his head toward John, "that was kind of unnecessary, but thank you, captain," he added, tipping his invisible hat toward the man.

John scowled and took a sip of his drink.

Liz decided to steer the topic of conversation back to the issue at hand, "we would have missed it if Jacka—John hadn't altered us to recent discrepancies at other hospital blood banks in the county," she explained with a struggle.

"Ooh, how lucky for us," Damon cheered sarcastically, "we have John!"

John took another sip of his drink, seemingly unbothered, but both the vampires knew they were slowly getting under his skin.

"We're stepping up security at the hospital," Liz said, "giving the guards vervain to prevent this from happening again."

Athena nodded, "good idea," she lied, scratching her neck.

"Sheriff, might I offer a suggestion?" John asked, stepping forward.

Athena groaned, rolling her eyes.

"Why don't Damon and I put our heads together?—"

"I'm sorry?" Athena laughed, clapping her hands, "two idiots on the job? That's just brilliant! Hey, maybe you two can even out your dumbness—perhaps you'll actually have a smart idea. I mean, two negatives make a positive right?" She asked, an amused smile on her face and a malicious look in her eyes.

Damon clicked his tongue and tsked at her, "your sense of humor has certainly improved," he sneered with a fake smile.

Athena raised her eyebrows disinterestedly and linked her fingers together, resting them against her thigh as she leaned against the wall once more. "O—kay," Liz drawled awkwardly.

John cleared his throat, slightly unnerved at the look that was in the Heretic's eye. She was definitely the Salvatore to look out for. She was the only one who actually scared him, if not because of how powerful she was, but because of how close she was to his family. "As I was saying... Damon and I can track down whoever's doing this," he proposed.

Liz glanced between Athena and the two men before sighing, "truthfully, I could really use the extra hands." She turned to Damon with a slightly hopeful look in her eye, "is that something you'd be willing to do?"

"Of course, I mean, it'll help," Damon said earnestly. Athena thinks he looks stupid doing this little act in front of Liz. Honestly, it was his fault the blood banks were getting noticed. She had no doubt Damon had been enticing Stefan to drink human blood which meant the youngest Salvatore was relapsing. Athena had stolen from the blood bank here and it was never noticed.

"I believe we'll make a good team. Don't you, Damon?" John asked the dark-haired Salvatore.

"John, whatever I can do to help keep this town safe, even if it means spending time with the likes of you," he smiled. The two shared some fake, sarcastic smiles.

Testosterone, Athena rolled her eyes.

After the small meeting was over, Athena walked to her car, ready to go back home and just relax and wait for her girlfriend to come over and cuddle with her. She really needed it. She was feeling so exhausted mentally and emotionally these last few days that it's insane.

Damon appeared beside her, looking around, "you need to get your vamps under control," he told her firmly, keeping his voice down.

Athena unlocked her car, "bold of you to assume they would break a rule. I get them the blood and the blood does not come from the blood banks around here. This has Salvatore brothers written all over it—well, Stefan," the Heretic said as she opened the driver side door.

Damon scoffed, "yeah, right. Stefan has been resisting it." Athena raised an eyebrow, an expression that screamed 'is he?' on her face. Damon narrowed his eyes at her, "do you know something that I don't?"

"I always know something you don't. I'm actually intelligent," she said, giving him a mocking smile as she slid into her car, "have a good day, Damon. I suggest getting Stefan under control before he gets you exposed..." She closed her door and started her car, pulling out of the lot and driving off leaving Damon alone for the second time.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

ATHENA OPENED HER front door, slightly surprised, but also not really to see Anna outside. "Well, hello, puppy lover," she smiled teasingly, leaning against the door.

Anna gave her a glare as a blush lit up her face, "good morning, Queeny," the vampire said sarcastically, brushing past her.

Athena scoffed through her nose, "of course, come right in, Anna," she drawled, acting as if she was annoyed by it. She closed the door and followed the other vampire into the dining room.

"Thanks," Anna smirked over her shoulder and Athena rolled her eyes with a smile. "Uh, is Mateo here...?" She turned her head in several directions, not seeing the werewolf. She did see several of the other supernaturals though all doing their own things or talking with one another.

"No. He is at school where you should be," Athena said as she pulled a chair out for the brunette who sat down. Athena sat down at the head of the table next to Anna.

"I'm far too old for high school, Athena," the brunette scoffed.

"Technically, you're not. Chronologically? Yes. Biologically? No," Athena said and Anna gave her a dry look. "All I'm saying is that education has gotten better than what we had all those years ago," she raised her hands in surrender. Anna sighed and laid her head tiredly on her bag. Athena put her chin in her palm and looked down at the girl, "alright, what's up? Nobody likes Mopey Wanna."

Anna scrunched her nose in distaste, "Mopey Wanna? Really?" Athena just raised an eyebrow. The vampire sighed, "I wanted to talk to you about the possibility of... mates..." she hesitated, glancing up at the Heretic.

The redhead exhaled deeply and leaned back in her seat, linking her fingers together and placing them in her lap as her elbows rested on the arms of the chair. "Mates..." She said, thinking about how she wanted to explain this to the girl, "I've only read about a couple of the original seven werewolf packs having mates. Like the Crescents, the Original Pack—the Original Family of Werewolves—, the Malraux Pack..., oh and the North East Atlantic Pack."

Anna rested her head in her arms, listening intently to the woman as she spoke.

"Mateo... is not a descendant of any of those packs so the thought of a 'mate' is not extremely reasonable." Anna's face dropped a bit at that. "But, that does not mean you aren't who his wolf has latched onto. Regular wolves get to pick and choose. They don't have someone that's destined for them," Athena explained, rubbing her hands together.

She had spent one of her lifetime searching for old journals and the original packs to learn everything she could about them. She loved her werewolf side, it had made her feel free and alive. Since she had triggered her curse so young, her wolf was a part of her and when it had been ripped away shattered her.

Athena ran a hand through her hair and sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "The wolf inside of the person has a pretty good sense of who is a good person that you can connect with. Take Leah, Mateo, and Ace for example. Those three are soulmates—platonically. They compliment each other. Their wolves had connected with one another. You know that saying, dogs can smell fear?" Anna nodded, "well think of it like that, but instead of fear, it's your soul. They know who you are before you do."

Anna rubbed her nose and looked away from the woman. "Why the hell does he seem so infatuated with me then?" She asked.

Athena tilted her head, a frown on her lips, "what do you mean?"

"I'm old—" Athena grumbled under her breath, being the oldest in the house and being slightly offended, "—and he's... he's seventeen. He has barely lived and I've lived... centuries. It just doesn't make sense to me! He's, like, this innocent puppy and I'm, like—like—I'm a blood sucking, killing thing!"

Athena looked amused at her struggle to come up with words to describe herself. The redhead leaned her head against her palm. "You are far more innocent than some of the vampires I've met, my dear. And I've learned not to judge love based on age... it can be a problem at times, but if you do it right, it won't matter," Athena said with a shrug. She couldn't really say anything about the age gap between the vampire and the werewolf even if she wanted to, considering theirs was much smaller than her and Caroline's.

Anna looked deep in thought and Athena let her be for a couple of minutes.

Then she asked the question that's been nagging at her, "so... what about Jeremy?"

Anna groaned and rolled her eyes, "God, I was so stupid for thinking he could've liked me." She scoffed out a laugh and pointed at Athena, "he had me fooled for a minute there. He had me thinking he actually cared and wanted to be with me for eternity." She slumped into her seat, defeated, "but just wanted that Vicki Donovan girl... He was gonna use me."

Athena smiled sympathetically at her, knowing what being used felt like. Especially for the blood that could turn anyone immortal running through her veins. She had been used like that once... she never made that mistake again.

"Well, as much as I love Jeremy, that was shitty and a very dick move," she said, not really processing the fact that Jeremy knew about vampires. She was silent, watching Anna nod in agreement and playing with a loose thread on her jacket. That's when it hit her. "Wait—are you telling me Jeremy knows about vampires?" The Heretic asked, sitting up.

Anna grimaced, "surprise?" She did jazz hands that were painful to watch.

Athena rubbed her forehead, head tilted down toward the floor as she released a heavy sigh.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

BONNIE HAD GOTTEN back from Ohio and she really wanted to go see Athena. Before the Heretic left, Athena had told her to stop by the house when she got back in town. She said she'd give her some witch tips which she desperately needed at the moment.

As she was walking to her car, she heard someone approaching. "Bonnie," Elena said from behind her friend, following after her.

"Hey," Bonnie replied, speeding up just a little bit. She really didn't want to talk to Elena. Not now at least.

"Hey, I, um, I tried to grab you after class but you'd already taken off," Elena said as the Bennett witch came to a stop and turned around to face the brunette. "How are you? How's your family?"

Bonnie shrugged, "we're dealing. It's been hard," she said vaguely.

Elena raised her shoulders and let them drop after she exhaled, "everyone here really missed you," she said softly and sincerely.

"Yeah, I just had a lot on my mind after Grams' funeral, and honestly after you told me that the tomb's spell failed, I just didn't really want to come back," she told her friend honestly. Then, Caroline had called sometime a little bit ago and told her that Athena had the tomb vampires under control and she didn't have to worry during their daily talks.

Elena stuffed her hands in her pockets, looking a little guilty, but also not, "I hope you understand why I called. I wanted you to know before you came home," she explained, giving her a meaningful look.

"I understand why... I just wish I didn't know," Bonnie gives her friend a tight-lipped smile.

Elena nods, "I know it's been really hard—"

"Bonnie!" An excited voice calls out. The two turn toward it to see their blonde friend rushing toward them. "Bonnie! Thank God you're home!" She crashed into the witch and crushed her in a hug. Bonnie laughed and hugged her back.

"Can't breathe, Care," she said after a moment and the blonde pulled back with a beam.

"Sorry! I, just, I know we talked every day, but I missed you! And I totally have to gossip to you about more stuff that I could not give over the phone," Caroline squealed, looking extremely excited that her friend was back in town. Elena's face dropped a bit as she looked at Bonnie at the 'we talked every day' part of Caroline's ramble.

"Bonnie Bennett," a voice from behind Caroline said. Caroline moved a bit out of the way, revealing two boys. Ace and an unknown person. Ace had spoken. "How are you doing?" The eighteen year old asked.

"Ooh, yeah," Caroline turned toward her friend again, eyes wide with curiosity and slight worry. It made Bonnie slightly grin.

"Better. Just better. You know, just glad to be back, and try to keep myself busy," the witch smiled, looking genuine.

"Well, we can actually help with that—we're heading home and Athena wants to see you and I really need to talk to her about what she and Anna talked about—" Mateo began, pointing toward Caroline's car and beginning to walk over.

The blonde rolled her eyes and grabbed his bag, pulling him back and into her side. "Relax. We'll get to that. Let's not rush Bonnie, yeah?" She ruffles the boy's hair. He groans and tries to wiggle out of her embrace, but she's very strong for a human.

Ace snickers a bit at his friend's expense and Mateo gives him a swift kick to the back of the leg making him crumble to his knees with a yelp. Caroline let go of Mateo as the two began to wrestle. She didn't seem bothered at all by it while the other two women were startled.

Caroline turns towards Bonnie, her smile reappearing, "Mateo is right. We'll make sure to keep your mind off of it, but there is something that I need your help with and it's a great distraction!" She clapped her hands a bit and then dramatically said, "major. Wardrobe. Confab. It's needed asap," she sings the last word, shaking her head with slight exasperation. "I cannot get behind, so you need to help me pick the perfect dress for the Founder's court," she said.

When the boys knocked into her leg, the blonde reached down and yanked the two apart, stepping between them and then focusing back on her friend.

"Oh," Bonnie breathed with a smile at her friend's excitement. She knew how important this was to Caroline and how happy she was to do it.

Elena looks at her friend in confusion, "the Founder's court? Did I miss something?" She asked, looking between her friends.

The two turned their gazes to her. Caroline raised an eyebrow, still smiling even though she was a little thrown off considering she's told them both many times how much she wanted to win this thing and be in it. Since they first heard about it when they were little actually! "The Founder's court," Caroline repeated, but Elena still looked confused which slightly upset the blonde, "you know, Miss Mystic Falls. The thing I've been reminding you guys of the whole last year since I can finally participate...? They announced it today, and, um, you and I are both on it."

"I can smell the competitive and pettiness from here," Ace whispered to Mateo from where they were standing behind Caroline. Mateo snickered and agreed. The blonde smiled at her friends and took a book out of her bag. She turned slightly and whacked both of them.

"OW!" They yelped.

Caroline turned back around and put the book back.

"Oh, my God, we signed up for that so long ago," Elena groaned, rubbing her forehead. Bonnie looked at her friend with sympathy and concern. "I completely forgot."

Caroline scoffs out, "yeah." She then quickly looks at her friend with furrowed brows, "so are you dropping out, then?" She asked. The way she asked and the look on her face made the two boys break out into laughter. "I am one seconds away from breaking your Xbox, boys," she threatened, pointing at the two. They instantly sobered up and found the grass suddenly very interesting.

Elena shook her head with a sigh and Bonnie pursed her lips, "I can't."

"No?" Caroline asked innocently even though she was the teeniest, tiniest disappointed. Just a little bit.

Bonnie decided to intervene for Elena, "her mom is the one who wanted her to enter." Caroline went silent, not knowing what to say.

Ace suddenly hid in front of Caroline causing the blonde to jump a bit. She fixed his goggles since they were almost falling off his head. "Whatcha doin'?" Mateo drawled, putting his chin on Caroline's shoulder and looking down at his friend.

"So... you know how I haven't talked to, like, any of my friends?" Ace asked which caused Mateo to nod, his chin digging into Caroline's shoulder.

"Ow," the blonde deadpanned, flicking his forehead a bit. Mateo gave her a smile before focusing back on the boy.

"Well, they're over there and I really don't want them coming over. Especially cause Braxton is there and—"

"And you have yet to tell him that you are in a very serious relationship and that you can't be with him?" Caroline smiled sarcastically, tilting her head to the opposite side of where Mateo was and looking down at Ace.

He groaned and hid his face in her shoulder, "well, when you say it like that." It was muffled and all of them could barely make it out. He then pulled back a bit, "but now it's just gonna be hella weird because technically he's like my cousin... 2nd cousin? I don't know!" He put his face in his hands.

"I think it is 2nd cousin—"

"Mateo, shut up!" The Hybrid whined. Mateo raised his hands in surrender.

"Wait, you dated your 2nd cousin...?" Elena asked, looking slightly grossed out as she took a step back.

Ace gave her a dry look, giving her a once over, "you're sleeping with a 160-something year-old vampire who slept with your ancestor. You don't get to talk," he said then turned to Caroline who gave him a 'be nice' look and a slight flick of his ear even though she was trying not to laugh. "I mean, technically we're not related because we're cousins through marriage, but it's still weird."

"Wait, what do you mean?" Bonnie asked, glancing at Elena who looked annoyed and embarrassed. "Hold on, you know about vampires...?"

Ace groaned, "yes! I've known about them for much longer."

Caroline put her hands on his neck, rubbing her thumbs along his jaw, "take a deep breath and relax," she instructed, and the boy did as he was told. "There you go." She dropped her hands and gestured for him to continue.

"My mothers mom was married to Braxton's aunt who was the sister of his mother," he explained.

Bonnie's eyes widened, "how old is your grandmother?"

Ace glanced at her before looking away, "okay! We should get back to the house before Athena sends a search squad. I don't think Carmen will want to do that," he said. Then he thinks of something and turns to the blonde who was looking at her nails, "wait, how did you know who I was dating?" He asked.

Caroline glances up at him and smiles. Ace's eyes go to Mateo who tries to act strong but then he throws his hands up in the air, "she's terrifying!" He whined. Caroline's smile widened.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

CAROLINE FOLLOWS AFTER her girlfriend who is walking toward her study with a folder open. She's reading it intently and flipping through the pages, unaware of the woman behind her.

Athena walks into her study and to her desk. Caroline closes the door behind her and she takes a glance around the room. It's dark, but lit enough to get things done. There is a shelf tucked in the corner near the window, pressed against the wall with crazy looking artifacts. Caroline had seen a lot more in the library, so she guesses these are probably artifacts that are really important. The window had huge red curtains that are currently tied back. The black desk is in front of it with a black leather desk chair behind it. There are paintings and drawings on the walls.

It's nice. And very Athena.

When she got here with Ace, Mateo, Bonnie, and Leah—who was already sitting in Caroline's car when they got there—Athena had acknowledged her with a 'hello' and a kiss on her forehead before she talked with Bonnie for a little while. Then, when Bonnie left, Athena had started working and didn't acknowledge her again.

Caroline cleared her throat, "uh, did you hear that the Founder's court was picked?" She asked, looking down and playing with her fingers.

"I did," Athena said, not looking up from her paperwork, "I saw both you and Elena were in it. I thought you would've told me sooner."

"Well, I was going to try when I got here, but you barely acknowledged me," Caroline said, tapping her foot against the ground. She frowned a bit. She was used to at least having some form of affection with Athena—touching in some way. This was weird for her.

Athena looked up at her girlfriend and sighed. She saw how upset Caroline was and sped behind her, slipping her arms around the blonde's waist. She moved Caroline's hair away from her neck and placed a couple kisses there.

"You're right and I'm sorry," she said, resting her chin on the blonde's shoulder. Caroline leaned into her, resting her head against Athena's. "I'm glad you're on the court. You're going to do great. Now, tell me how your Dad's was?"

The Heretic pulled the blonde over to her desk and sat down in her chair. Caroline plopped herself on Athena's lap with a smile and then dove into what happened at her dads. It wasn't very eventful, she was just as annoyed with her dad and her dad's boyfriend as ever, but tried to be civil for the kid's sack.

Athena had been running her fingers through the woman's hair, massaging her scalp while drawing circles on Caroline's side. Caroline had fallen asleep against her about an hour into telling Athena about the party and how she only tolerated her dad's boyfriend because of the cute kid he had managed to bring into the world. Athena found that a bit amusing, but also heartwarming.

She hoped that when Caroline did meet Lorelei and Davina that they'd get along. Then maybe... maybe when she was gone they'd have somebody that cared for them. She had no doubt that Violet, Akemi, Ace, Crystal (Cassidy's mom), Avery, and Braxton would look after them, but...

She doesn't know. She would like Caroline to look after them when she died. She didn't have too of course and it would most likely not happen, but if it did...

Athena looks down at her girlfriend. She looked peaceful and absolutely gorgeous as she slept. She was tucked into Athena's chest, soft breaths leaving Caroline's mouth which was slightly open.

She loves Caroline.

And deep—very deep, in a part that had been locked away—inside her, her wolf knows that Caroline would do whatever it takes to protect her kids. 

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

CAROLINE SITS IN a chair in front of three judges from the court. She gives them a smile even though she's seen how Carol Lockwood looks at her girlfriend and it kind—it royally—pisses her off.

"This year's Queen will have the special honor of taking center stage at the 150th Founder's Day Gala," Mrs. Lockwood says, smiling back at Caroline with a polite smile, "before we crown our winner, we'd like to get to know a bit more about each of you."

Caroline nods and relaxes slightly. Talking about herself? She can do that. "I'm on the M.F. Beautification Committee. I volunteer at the Rec Center Soup Kitchen. I implemented this year's Go Green campaign at school. I also happened to work with the county's recycling program and was in charge of the policemen's yearly raffle," she explained, thinking about what else. "Oh, and I've been looking into an internship with Castillo Industries."

"Castillo Industries?" The blonde beside Carol asked. That was a very big company and she was surprised that Caroline was even being looked at—no offense to the younger woman, but it was extremely hard to even get a meeting with the CEO. "Tell us more about that, please," she leaned forward a bit more, interested in what she was going to say.

Carol and the other judge looked just as interested.

Caroline clears her throat a bit and shifts, linking her hands together and resting them on her thighs. "Well, I had applied for the internship at the beginning of last year. I've always had an interest in it... what they stand for really. A better life—protection, prosperity, loyalty. I mean, I never thought I'd actually get, you know, picked because it's extremely hard to get recognized by that company given the size and the succession. It stood for things that I didn't... fit into." She sighed, remembering what Matt had said at the beginning of their relationship. How she was shallow and couldn't be deep. "But, I did get picked... It took a while and I gave up faith that my application had gone anywhere but the trash. Then, I got an email from one of the heads of the departments. I was pending and had been for quite some time. I was in their sights. It gave me a confidence boost that I desperately needed, especially after what happened with Miranda and Grayson. And then I met Athena who was a real pain in the butt at first, but she helped me see that I was just as good as anyone else..."

Caroline was beyond confused when she had looked at the folder Athena had given her all those days ago. She hasn't spoken to Athena about it since, but she had reached out to the head of the broadcasting department that had reached out almost a year ago. After everything that happened with Miranda and Grayson, that internship had been pushed to the farthest part of her mind—wanting to take care of Elena and Jeremy being one of her top priorities while trying not to murder or kiss Athena another. But, Caroline really shouldn't be surprised that Athena had gotten ahold of her internship packet. Athena had been around for a long time and most likely knew the CEO that had been M.I.A for the last 8 years or so. She should definitely ask her girlfriend about that when she is done with this.

"When are you due to start?" The judge on the right of Carol asked, looking intrigued.

Caroline had to think back to the Email conversation she had when she was at her dads. "Um... on Thursday... next week. Yeah. They're sending some stuff for me to look at. I'd give more details, but they stressed that it was very confidential." Castillo Industries prided themselves on their privacy. They stayed out of the tabloids and nobody had ever met the CEO other than some special clients, some of the sponsors, close company friends, and the employees.

She had heard the CEO was nice and polite, but was someone you did not want to fight. Or upset. A force to be reckoned with.

"That's incredible, Caroline," the judge on the left said, "that is a very difficult task. I've had friends who had tried for that internship and gotten denied after a year's wait, some the day after they sent in their application. For you to even be considered, much less accepted..." She shook her head, "it's just wow."

Caroline grinned at her, eyes lighting up, "thank you."

Carol nodded, giving her a polite smile, "yes, that's all wonderful. We've gotten all we needed, thank you." Caroline gave her a nod, fighting back the urge to roll her eyes as she made to stand up. "But..." And Caroline wasn't going anywhere just yet, "we need to talk about your escort that you submitted."

Caroline scoffed, looking confused and uneasy. Her brows drew together as a baffled look appeared on her face, "what's there to talk about?" She asked. Even the other two judges looked confused. "My escort is my partner. Just like Elena's is Stefan," she said.

"Yes, well, you see," Carol chuckled a little awkwardly, "this a very traditional celebration and things like..." Caroline leaned back, cocking an eyebrow with a 'please try me' face. "Like you and Athena's relationship..."

"You mean cause we're both girls, right?" Caroline asked, a dangerous glint in her eye.

"Uh, well... yes. The dance started with a man and woman. That's how it's always been and we're not gonna change that because you... you're—"

"Gay?" Caroline said for her, a malicious smile appearing on her lips. The other two judges looked very uncomfortable and were giving each other 'did you know this was happening?' looks.

"Yes," Carol said, sitting up a bit straighter. Caroline scoffed in disbelief, shaking her head. "Which is why I took the liberty of changing your escort so you didn't have to find a replacement. Matt Donovan will be filling in. You two have great chemistry! And maybe this will spark an old flame—"

"That died," Caroline deadpanned, her eyes blazing with anger, yet she looked completely calm. "That flame burned out a long time ago and it will not be rekindling," she said, "but whatever. You wanna be a homophobic prick than be my guest. I'll play your game. But, trust me... I will come out on top. No. Matter. What." She stood up, flattening out her skirt and giving the three women a smile, "have a nice day!" She said to the other two judges who gave her an apologetic look and a genuine smile.

Caroline walked out of the room and the next girl went in. She finally rolled her eyes, her anger boiling underneath the surface of her skin. It was overwhelming. She hasn't felt anger like this before. It feels amplified. She could get angry, but it was never this bad. She grabbed her purse a bit harder than necessary, earning weird looks from the other girls, but she paid them no mind.

She was almost to the door when she was stopped. "Hey, Care. How'd it go?" Elena asked with a smile. She had gotten up from her spot and followed the blonde after seeing her.

Caroline slowly turned to face the brunette, hiding her anger just like she did every other emotion from her friends. They never noticed anything wrong anyway even if she did happen to slip up and show them.

Elena had the pity-vote because her parents died. Caroline knew that. She had a hot escort who was probably deemed the "kindest" of the Salvatores. She was the perfect girl next door. Pretty, kind, caring, and everyone's first choice.

And Caroline pretty much just threw her chances away by snapping at Carol like that, but honestly, she was happy about it. She didn't want to be a part of a tradition that took away a part of who she was—shunned it. She worked hard on herself to figure that part of herself out and she wasn't going to push it back in the closet because of some stupid pagent.

Even though she's wanted to be in it since she was a little girl.

"It went great," the blonde stated dryly. She turned on her heel and walked out, not wanting to speak to her friend for the rest of the day. She didn't want to speak to anyone. She just wanted to cuddle with Athena for the remainder of the night and fall asleep. She was exhausted from her trip back and from barely getting any sleep last night—only two hours considering she got home at 5 in the morning.

Liz had given her a small scolding before ushering her to bed. She was glad that her mom was home for once.

Caroline had just gotten to her car, unlocking it and rubbing her eyes. She took off her shoes, her feet aching.

"Ms. Forbes?" The blonde stopped herself before she opened the door and turned toward the voice. A young woman stood before her. She's about 5'8"— Caroline's height—, her eyes were this beautiful dark brown that matched her hair.

"Uh... well, yes, but really that's my mother," Caroline chuckled nervously. She glanced around, slightly uneasy, "how do you know my name?"

The young woman suddenly shook her head, "oh, right! Sorry. I'm Quinn Allen. I live at the boarding house. Athena talks a lot about you," she explained with a sheepish smile, sticking her hand out to the blonde.

Caroline blushed a bit and shook her head, "right. Caroline. Um, do you need something...?"

"Oh! No, I just... I was walking by and I saw you storming out of the building. I just wanted to make sure you were okay and you kind of look dead on your feet," Quinn said softly, trying not to offend the blonde. Caroline gave her a tired smile, leaning slightly against the car as she blinked a couple of times in an attempt to keep them open. "Let me drive you back to the boarding house. Athena might kill me if you get into an accident and I could've helped," she joked, but also seemed serious at the same time.

Caroline hesitated for a second, but handed over the keys. Something inside of her was telling her that she could trust the woman in front of her. Caroline walked around the car and got into the passenger seat.

Quinn got into the driver's seat and wasted no time in beginning the drive to the house. Caroline was pretty much asleep the second she sat down.

When they arrived, Caroline was out like a light. Quinn parked the car, turned it off and then got out. She walked over to Caroline's side and opened the door, unbuckling the blonde and picking her up. Luther, who was coming in from a run, jogged over to them and closed the door for her, locking the car as well. Quinn gave him a grateful look before they headed inside.

Athena was sitting on the couch, reading when they came in. She glanced up, not really interested in who had come home. She had to do a double take when she saw her girlfriend in Quinn's arms unconscious. She appeared in front of them in less than a second, worriedly looking her over.

"What happened? Is she okay? Are you okay—"

"Relax," Quinn said, handing the blonde over to Athena who relaxed slightly when Caroline was in her arms, "she's just really tired. She needs some sleep. That's all."

Athena sighed in relief and kissed Quinn's forehead, "thank you."

"It's no problem," the vampire replied with a grin.

Athena smiled back at her before speeding up to her room and laying her girlfriend on her bed. She grabbed some clothes and changed Caroline so she was comfy and then tucked her in. She pressed a kiss to Caroline's forehead and nose and then sat down beside her.

She was kind of exhausted too.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

"CAN YOU EVEN believe that?!" Caroline asked Bonnie in exasperation. She had been telling her about what Carol Lockwood had said to her the other day. Athena was standing a bit behind them. Caroline had asked her to come since she still didn't feel completely at ease when she was around Matt.

She knew that he probably wouldn't even come since he had work, but she was still antsy. Bonnie had seen them walking in, noting how annoyed and put off Caroline was, and decided to join them.

"Wait—so Carol Lockwood, the woman who I've, and probably everyone else, has seen eye-fucking Athena won't let her be your escort because it's not tradition?" Bonnie summed everything up.

"Pretty much, yeah!" Caroline scoffed, shaking her head in anger. Carol, despite being annoying, had always been kind to Caroline so the blonde had liked her, but now that was down the drain.

Athena put a hand on Caroline's lower back, rubbing circles into her back with her thumb to soothe her. Caroline sighed, deflating a bit as she leaned against Athena. The redhead frowned at how tense the girl was. She had an idea for when they got home.

"Just breathe, okay? You've wanted this forever and you're going to get it. If it has to be with Matt, that's fine. You barely have to acknowledge him other than the dance and the parade. But, if you're truly uncomfortable and just can't, then I will step in no matter what Carol said," Athena amended. She didn't want to be the reason Caroline didn't go after this. She knew how important this was to her girlfriend and refused to ruin that.

Caroline turned toward her with a pout, bringing her hands up to cup Athena's cheeks, "but you're my girlfriend. I want you out there and on that damned float with me," she said.

Athena smiled softly and kissed Caroline's forehead, "I know, love. I want to as well," she whispered, "but, unfortunately, Carol is hopped up on vervain which means..."

"You can't compel her," Bonnie and Caroline say at once and the Heretic nods.

Caroline groans again and begins to walk. Bonnie and Athena share an amused look before following after her. "Alright so, the Fell cousins don't have a shot. And Amber Bradley is only on the court so the pageant doesn't look like it's Founding families only," Caroline mocked, "which, of course, it is. Which is another reason why this doesn't make sense because Athena is a part of the Founding families—quite literally one of the founders." Caroline shook her head and threw her hands around. "So that leaves Elena," she concluded.

Athena smiled softly at how adorable Caroline was when she got worked up on stuff like this. She loved that Caroline was fighting for who she was.

Bonnie gave her a mocking disgusted look, pretending to gag when she saw the love-filled look Athena was throwing at Caroline. The redhead rolled her eyes and flicked her arm.

"I mean, she totally has the sympathy vote since her parents died. And when I went off Carol yesterday. How am I supposed to compete with that?" Caroline asked, looking a bit dejected.

Bonnie gave her a look of disappointment, "very nice. Very sensitive." Caroline looked over at her.

The blonde sighed, berating herself, "Oh, I'm sorry. This must sound really unimportant. In light of everything."

"It's okay. I get it. You want to win," Bonnie said, nodding.

Caroline smiled a bit, "well, my grandmother was Miss Mystic. And both of my aunts. My mom's the only one who didn't get the gene, and I want this," she pouted a bit. "I mean, I actually deserve this." She exhaled and turned around to watch what was happening inside the cafeteria. "But, Godforbid, if I win tradition will most likely go out the window because I'm pansexual. Jeez, can you imagine the headlines—First LGBT Miss Mystic Queen Brings Home Title. The news would have a field day."

Athena scrunched her nose a bit. That wouldn't be bad necessarily, but she knew Caroline would rather be known because of what she has done for the community and why she won instead of the fact that she was the first winner who was part of the LGBTQ+ community. Yes, her sexuality was a big part of her and she loved it, but that didn't mean she wanted to be defined by it.

"They would have a field day, but I'd get to the story before it was published," Athena said with a shrug. Caroline smiled over her shoulder at her girlfriend and then focused back on the practice.

Before she entered, she turned to Bonnie, looking down at the ground. Her whole mood had dampened a bit, "Elena wasn't the only person who lost Miranda and Grayson... she's just the one who got recognition for it," Caroline muttered. Bonnie looked surprised and opened her mouth to say something, but Caroline had already walked in.

Bonnie turned towards Athena. The Heretic stared at her for a second, before following her girlfriend. Bonnie sighed and rubbed her forehead, that went great. She walked inside and instantly slowed down at the sight of Stefan and Elena.

"Bonnie," Elena smiled, "hey." The two walked toward them as the other three came to a stop.

"Hey," Bonnie gave them a small, fake smile.

"How are ya?" Stefan asked her with a smile, crossing his arms. Athena looked him over and scoffed through her nose, shaking her head a bit.

Bonnie stayed silent, looking between them. Elena gave her a friend a look.

"Bonnie joined Athena and I because she saw I was upset," Caroline stepped in and the two looked over at her.

"Woman on a mission is more like it," Athena chuckled. Caroline looked like she was about to storm the building.

Caroline shrugged with a smile and began to put her hair up so it was out of her face when she started. Stefan caught a whiff of her scent and zeroed in on the column of her throat that was now visible. His mouth watered at the sugary sweet smell that was Caroline's blood.

Athena saw the shift in his demeanor and all she could see was Cassidy's head falling from her body. Elena noticed as well, eyeing him with confusion and worry.

Athena reached over and grabbed Elena's arm. Stefan's hand flew out and grasped Athena's forearm tightly. "Get your hand off of her," he said, his voice deeper than usual. More animalistic.

Elena gasped at the change while Bonnie stepped back. Caroline stared at him with wide eyes. Athena grabbed him by his neck, choking him with a dark gaze, "do not test me, Stefan. I will kill you right here, right now. With zero regret," she snarled.

His arm shook as he was forced to let go to claw at her hand. Athena took the opportunity to pull Elena behind her. The brunette went without any object, grabbing onto Caroline's hand. The blonde held onto her, pulling Bonnie closer.

Athena put a hand into Stefan's hair from the back, forcing him to bend over. She pulled him out of the room as the man tried to thrash out of her grip. She was angry that he would be so reckless as to come to a school full of teenagers while he was high off human blood. She understood what human blood did to him, she knew that sometimes he just couldn't control the blood lust, but she was done playing nice.

Especially when it comes to those three girls in there.

Bonnie, Caroline, and Elena quickly follow them after Caroline tells Carol that she'll be back.

Athena drags Stefan out of the school and to a secluded part of the field. When she's sure there is no one around, she throws Stefan. He goes about 50 years and hits the ground with a thud, rolling along the grass and lying in the middle of the football field, trying to catch his breath.

"You know, I was willing to be merciful, Stefan," Athena said as she stalked closer to him. Her eyes were filled with a dangerous glint and her fangs were elongated. With every step she got closer, Stefan slowly crawled backward. He looked absolutely terrified. He was close to shaking. "I thought, maybe—just maybe, you'd do better. You'd actually earn my forgiveness. But now I know... I know that was just a silly dream. I didn't want to kill you, I didn't want your blood on my hands. Then I'd have to kill Damon too because he'd try to kill me and most likely would try to kill my family."

He tries to vamp away but she appears in front of him, her hand wrapping around his throat once again. Elena looks away, tears pricking her eyes as she sees Stefan choke. She didn't understand why she wasn't fighting Athena or screaming, but something about the way Athena looked and the words she said... It made her pause.

"You don't understand the damage you have done, Stefan," Athena said. She grabs a hold of his shirt and lets go of his neck, throwing him effortlessly. He hits the ground in front of the girls. Just where she wanted him. Athena walks toward them again, black veins slowly going up her neck. "Do it, Stefan," Athena taunts as Stefan looks up at Elena and Caroline.

Elena had doppelganger blood—it was precious and it was different from human. Caroline had that sweet and sugary blood. It made his blood lust increase ten-fold.

Elena stared down at him, her heart thudding in her chest in fear. She knew something was wrong with Stefan from the way he was acting. She didn't think it was that bad. She thought it was better.

But she was wrong.

Caroline stared down at him, her heart beat a little quicker than normal. She didn't fear Stefan though. Not with Athena slowly coming toward them. She knew Athena was quicker and stronger. If he even tried to lift a pinky toward them, he'd be dead faster than any of them could blink.

"Do it, Stefan," Athena whispers, a cruel smirk appearing on her face. Bonnie stepped back in fear. She didn't trust either vampire. Stefan breathed out heavily, closing his eyes and clenching his jaw. "Come on, Stefan. I know you want to tear into their necks. Taste their delicious blood," she taunts, eyes slowly turning black, "you want to kill them. You want the rush of the feed. Of the kill. You want to tear them limb from limb."

Stefan's eyes slowly open as he looks at the two. Even his love for Elena wasn't stronger at the moment. His eyes shifted and a black veins protruded underneath his eyes. His fangs slid out of his gums.

Elena held on tighter to Caroline's hand.

"You want to sink into their neck and bite until their heads lay on the ground, apart from their body," Athena whispered, so lowly that Stefan almost didn't hear it.

That was the last straw—he lunged.

Elena and Caroline flinched, bracing for impact, but it never came. Their eyes slowly opened to see Stefan thrashing around in front of them, reaching out and clawing at the air to try and grab them. He was inches off the ground and his body didn't move forward or backward. He hissed and growled, thrashed and lashed, but never moved.

Athena was holding the back of his shirt, lifting him off the ground. She looked somewhat disappointed, but also not surprised. Her eyes were back to normal and her fangs were gone. She was regular old Athena now.

The Heretic tsked, "now I know how it happened. I always wondered how you got past the witches... but they had been the ones who enlisted your help. My, my... what a betrayal." She dropped him in a heap on the floor, stepping on his back and breaking his spine. He yelped, going still.

Elena hid her face in Caroline's shoulder, tears spilling from her eyes. The blonde put a hand on the back of her head, gulping.

"He'll be fine," Athena told the three girls as she stepped over him. She needed them to see who he really was. The broody Stefan was not the man he was deep down. Deep down he was a ruthless killer who only cared for himself. She saw that when they first turned, she'd seen that in Chicago, and she saw that when he murdered Cassidy. And now the girls saw it.

She could've gone about it in a much better way, but the only way to get them to believe was to show them. Athena knew that Stefan wasn't Elena's forever. She couldn't tell who was, but she knew it wasn't Stefan. And Elena wasn't capable of handling everything that Stefan was. She was strong, yes, but she wasn't meant to be strong for him.

Bonnie stared at Athena. She thought Athena was different from Stefan and Damon. She thought that she was better. But she wasn't. She was worse. Bonnie quickly fled the scene and Athena watched her.

The Heretic turned her attention to Elena and Caroline who were both staring at her with looks that could only be described as 'what do we do?'. "Come on. We have a dance we need to practice," Athena said to Caroline, guiding the girls back into the school.

AN: hope you enjoyed!

Finished: June 13th, 2022
Word Count: 8365
Edited: