『5』

Matt and Caroline were at the Mystic Grill, enjoying their food, when Elena and Bonnie joined them. Seeing Caroline and Matt getting along so well, Elena inquired, "I didn't know you two were friends." Matt replied, "Yeah, we became friends during the summer while taking self-defense classes together." Elena responded with a slightly awkward tone, saying, "Oh."

As straightforward as ever, Caroline said, "Don't worry, Elena. Matt and I are not a thing. He's gay now." Matt interjected, clarifying, "Bisexual, but yeah."

Caroline's enthusiastic chatter broke the silence, and she began to share some surprisingly detailed information about Stefan Salvatore. "His name is Stefan Salvatore. He lives with his uncle up at the old Salvatore Boarding House. He hasn't lived here since he was a kid. Military family, so they moved around a lot. He's a Gemini, and his favorite color is blue."

Amazing by Caroline's ability to gather all this information in a single day, Bonnie responded, "You got all that in one day?"

Caroline grinned mischievously. "Oh, please, I got all that between the third and fourth periods. We're planning a June wedding."

Her playfulness and quick wit drew smiles from Matt and Bonnie.

"I better be the maid of honor, Care," Matt teased.

Caroline responded with a playful smile, "Of course, Matty. You're the only one who knows all the juicy details."

As Stefan sat at their table, Caroline couldn't contain her enthusiasm and immediately began bombarding him with questions.

Caroline initiated the conversation, asking, "So, you were born in Mystic Falls?"

Stefan nodded. "Mm-Hmm. And moved when I was still young."

Bonnie followed up, "Parents?"

Stefan replied, "My parents passed away."

Elena expressed sympathy. "I'm sorry. Any siblings?"

Stefan responded, "None that I talk to. I live with my uncle."

Caroline said, "So, Stefan, if you're new, you don't know about the party tomorrow."

Bonnie added, "It's a back-to-school thing at the falls."

Stefan looked at Elena and asked, "Are you going?"

Elena answered, "Of course she is," with Bonnie confirming her attendance.

Matt stood up from the table, excusing himself. "As interesting as this conversation is, I've got to head home. Bye, Care, and the rest of you."

—------------------

Even though he had noticed that alcohol didn't affect him in the usual way, Matt still found comfort in the familiar act of drinking. So, amidst the wild party, he took a breather and ventured into the woods, seeking a quiet spot to gather his thoughts.

His solitude was suddenly shattered as he leaned against a tree, taking in the serene surroundings. Without warning, someone appeared in front of him with such force that they knocked the beer can out of his hand.

Startled, Matt looked up and found himself face-to-face with Damon Salvatore. It was a moment of disbelief, and the casual sip of beer he had just taken was now a distant memory, replaced by an entirely unexpected encounter in the dark woods. Damon's trademark smirk played on his lips as he regarded Matt,

Damon attempted to compel Matt, his voice holding a commanding tone as he said, "Keep quiet and don't move." Matt stayed silent for a beat, then burst into laughter, taking Damon by surprise.

"You really think you can compel me?" Matt chuckled heartily, his laughter filling the quiet woods. Damon's initial confidence turned to annoyance.

In a fit of anger and impulsiveness, Damon bit into Matt's neck, seeking to feed, but to his shock, Matt's blood felt like it was burning him. He quickly recoiled, his face twisted in pain,

Staring in astonishment, Matt realized that his blood had unexpectedly affected Damon. Damon, equally perplexed, gazed at Matt and asked him what he was. Matt's smirk was his only reply as he approached Damon, grasping his chin and planting a passionate kiss, drawing Damon's chi and feeding on it.

Damon's eyes glowed a pale silver as Matt's actions miraculously healed the wound on his neck. However, Damon was left in a state of confusion and ecstasy, prompting him to inquire, "What did you do to me?"

With a sly grin, Matt countered, "Ah, ah, ah, I'm asking the questions now, blue eyes," and once again held Damon's face, infusing him with chi, causing Damon to moan in pleasure. Matt pressed on, "What's your deepest desire?"

Damon, overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through him, initially remained silent. However, under the persistent influence of Matt's power, he eventually broke and whispered, his voice a mixture of desire and pleasure, "I want to free Katherine and leave with her." Damon's confession hung in the air, a secret desire revealed amidst the intense and bewildering encounter.

Matt couldn't help but laugh at Damon's revelation. "Katherine? Free her?" He chuckled again but then fell silent. Kneeling beside Damon, Matt looked him straight in the eyes.

"She's not in the tomb," Matt stated calmly, "She never was; whether you believe me or not, she's not in there, and you're wasting your time."

As if he were about to kiss Damon again, Matt placed his hands around Damon's neck, but instead, he swiftly snapped it.

With a satisfied smile, Matt looked at Damon's lifeless body, muttered to himself, "Caroline is probably looking for me," and proceeded to go to Caroline.

—------------------

One thing Sam remained blissfully unaware of was the magnetic effect of his incubus nature. Unbeknownst to him, he drew the attention and desires of many around him, but he was too self-absorbed to notice their longing.

Tired of the ongoing drama and feeling his character was irrelevant to the plot, Sam had little patience for the chaos that constantly enveloped Mystic Falls. He didn't mind injecting a bit of excitement into the storyline, but he wasn't naive enough to jeopardize the plot beyond redemption. As a result, he decided it was time for a break from

So, he wanted to take a break from Mystic Falls.

With a newfound determination, Sam decided to make a bold move. He set his sights on New York with a clear goal: to become a model. He loved attention and becoming a model would give him just that. It was a dream he had harbored in his previous life but never had the opportunity to pursue. Now, he was determined to seize the chance.

Sam knew he had the looks for it. With his great physique, striking blue eyes, and blonde hair, he embodied the quintessential all-American look. He was determined to leverage his appearance to its full potential and make a name for himself.

Having all the credits he needed, Matt decided to visit the school and expedite obtaining his diploma. It was a bit of a hassle, but he eventually managed to secure it. When he informed Caroline about his plans to leave, she felt a mix of emotions—sadness that he was going to and happiness for his pursuit of his dreams. They had grown close and promised to keep in touch regularly, making plans to call each other daily.

Before his departure, Caroline helped him pack his things. As a parting gift, Matt gave her a bracelet infused with vervain, a protective gesture he'd learned from Sheila. He didn't want Caroline to fall victim to someone like Damon, as he had seen happen in the show.

With that, he headed off to New York, unaware that Mystic Falls would somehow manage to draw him back in.

 ---------------- 

What does Klaus send Caroline ahead of the formal ball his mother, Esther Mikaelson, is hosting? 

1300 words 

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