A/N: This is set after 3x13 but Caroline doesn't yet know about the rest of the Originals being undaggered.

Caroline sat at the bar staring at the drink in front of her. She was absent-mindedly playing with a coaster that had been lying next to her glass, still trying to come to terms with what had been one of the worst weeks of her life. Her dad was dead. She refused to let herself hate him for his decision though. For leaving her again. For being his selfish stubborn self. For not wanting to become like her. A monster.

That was her reality now; she was a monster, a vampire. Stuck with the appearance of being seventeen forever. On bad days the vain, shallow part of her got pleasure out of looking in the mirror and knowing she'd look like this for the rest of her undead life. Eternally hot.

But then the low point would come rushing straight after. She'd remember what that meant, what she was now forced to miss out on. Dreams of getting married, having kids, and growing old were all gone. Snatched away as part of one of Katherine's games with the Salvatores. Sure she'd never seen herself as the maternal type but now she'd never know. She'd stopped dreaming of her fairytale wedding with Matt a long time ago.

She'd never really thought of the implications of her staying forever young while Tyler aged, not that it mattered anymore. That was another thing this whole Klaus mess had taken away from her. First her mortality, then her boyfriend. Not to mention the countless deaths. She tried not to think of how many people she grew up with that had died in the past year. It hurt too much.

She was pulled out of her thoughts, feeling someone's gaze on her. She turned her head slightly to be met with the brown eyes of a guy, probably only a year or two older than her, who was now occupying the space next to her at the bar. He was staring at her.

'Can I help you?', she asked, confused at the unwanted attention.

'I'm sorry. I'm told I have a habit of staring at pretty girls.' He smiled at her. It was the type that made her uneasy, warning her of trouble.

'You do. It's creepy.' She replied before turning away from him.

'I'm making you uncomfortable.' It wasn't a question.

'Kinda, and I'm not in the mood so please go away.'

'Let me buy you a drink. As an apology.'

'Does that usually work on girls?'

'You tell me.' He grinned.

'No.'

'I like you.' He smirked, unsettling the blonde.

'Are you some kind of stalker or something? Is that why you're in town, this is where your poor victim lives?' She asked exasperated.

'You have terrible social skills. But it could be worse, you could've accused me of being a murderer.'

'Are you?' She quizzed, half jokingly.

'You're fun. I'm Kol by the way.'

'Not interested.' She smiled sweetly.

'I somehow doubt that. What will it be? Another scotch? I do like a girl with good taste.'

'I have excellent taste that's why I want you to leave me alone.'

'We both know that's a lie.'

'You really don't give up, do you?' A smile played on her lips.

'Nope. I think you'll find I'm rather patient.'

She sighed before giving in. 'Caroline.'

'Ah, so the name is just as beautiful as the face sweet Caroline.'

'Good one. I've never heard that before. How original.' Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

The brunette raised an eyebrow in confusion. 'Believe me, I'm quite original.'

'Well I'm leaving.'

'But we're having so much fun.'

'I shouldn't even be talking to you. I don't talk to strangers.'

'I'm hardly a stranger.'

'I don't know anything about you. That means you're strange.'

'I know, we'll play a game. That way we can get to know each other.' He suggested, smirking.

xxx

They were now sat at one of the booths in the back. Two empty shot glasses in front of each of them.

'Family?' Caroline asked.

'One very annoying sister and three older brothers. You?'

'Only child.'

'How does one spell your name exactly?'

'K-o-l. You should give me your number.'

'Not going to happen. You'll just have to settle for stalking my house. Or school if that's what you're into.' She retorted.

'Have you always lived here?'

'Yep. I'm actually Miss Mystic Falls.'

'I'm not surprised.' Her reaction was a 'hey!' and a light smack on his arm.

'Accent. Real or fake?'

'Real. Yours?'

'Haha.'

'Natural blonde?'

'A lady never tells.'

'I thought that was age.'

'I'll have you know it's both.'

'Age?'

'Yes and eighteen. And you?'

'A natural blonde? No.' He grinned. 'Nineteen.'

'What brings you to Mystic Falls?' She asked genuinely curious.

'Well it's definitely not the nightlife. Would it kill you people to have some entertainment around here?'

Before she could respond she felt her phone vibrate and took it out of her pocket. There was a new message from Elena: Sleepover at Bon's. 10?

She glanced at the clock that now read 9:45. Sure. C u soon. She quickly replied before returning her attention to Kol, who was now staring at her with a curious look on his face.

'I have to get going.' She smiled apologetically.

'Are you sure I can't distract you?' He waggled his eyebrows.

She rolled her eyes at him. 'As much as I'd like to debate the merits of Mystic Falls I have friends to see.'

'Some other time then.'

'Maybe.' She shook her head and bit her lip trying not to smile.

'I'll see you around Caroline. This is a small town after all.' He called after her retreating form.

A/N: Love it? Hate it? Review and let me know :)