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As Ana walked out of the Boarding House she peered behind at Alaric as he jogged to catch up with her. Honestly, the sight confused her. She'd only spoken with Alaric once and she couldn't say that she enjoyed it. I mean, no offense to Alaric or anything, but he dressed like he was homeless and the fact that he absolutely despised Ana's race didn't help.

"Hello, lo-- Uh, where are you going?" 'Alaric' asked, his hand momentarily brushing Ana's as he managed to catch up with her. "I'd be happy to accompany you. After all, a lady should never travel alone like this."

Ana snorted. Loudly. "Okay, firstly: when did you start caring about being a gentleman and secondly: I don't give a hoot about being a 'lady' or whatever. You are clearly acting weird, Alaric. What's up? You trying to get advice about killing Niklaus or something? Spoiler alert: it's not gonna happen."

"No, no. Sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I was simply, uh, trying to make acquaintances with you, love. Clearly I was overstepping. Have a good day, Ana." 'Alaric' apologised with a soft expression, with a slight twang on the last 'a' on Ana's name, making him sound more british than american.

"Right. Well, if you're so hellbent on becoming acquaintances then come to the Mystic Grill with me. Perhaps we can share our sorrows over a whiskey or two." Ana suggested, though she kept one eyebrow raised cynically.

It was clear Alaric was trying to hide how pleased he was, grinning slyly instead. "Yes, I suppose we could do that."

"Okay... I guess we should just head straight there. Wow, this isn't awkward in the slightest. A vampire hanging out with her not-even ex's vampire hunter friend. I mean, sounds like some sort of comedy book to me." Ana chuckled to herself, though running a hand through her hair in an attempt to relax. It wasn't working.

★·'¯'·★

The Mystic Grill was fairly quiet, with most students and teachers preparing for the 60s dance - giving Ana and Alaric plenty of space to hang out. Matt Donovan happened to be there too, watching Ana and Alaric laugh together like they were the most unlikely pair in the world - because, let's face it, they are.

Alaric leaned over the table with a bourbon in hand, staring at Ana with a slight smile - though it seemed restrained. Ana, however, was quite pleased with a pint of whiskey and a plate of on-the-house nachos, thanks to compulsion.

Turning to Alaric with a tipsy grin, Ana said "So, what made you want to hang out with an old vamp such as myself, anyway? You are a vampire hunter. I'm no expert but doesn't that mean you're supposed to despise me? Huh?"

"You're... you fascinate me. I think there's more to you than meets the eye, love. I'd like to find out what that is." Alaric winked at Ana and her eyes widened.

"Okay, okay, Mr. Drunk, I think you've had enough bourbons for one night. Perhaps we should think about getting back so we can prep before the dance?" Ana tried to keep a clear head, realising that Alaric already had something with Jenna. Even if the way he spoke and kept resting his hand on hers did feel vaguely familiar.

After raising an eyebrow at Ana, Alaric sighed. "I guess so. Just answer me this - you're not really thinking of attacking the big bad hybrid, are you? I mean, Damon told me that you guys had a... oh, what do they call it... a thing once?"

"Yeah, okay, that's none of your business." Ana snapped defensively, gripping her cup rather harshly. "Now, I think I'm done for the night. Stay here as long as you want but I need to get ready. Goodnight, Alaric."

However, before Ana could walk away, Alaric gripped his hand around Ana's wrist. He did it firmly, but soft enough that it wouldn't hurt. As Ana turned her head back around, Alaric softly replied "I'm sorry if I touched a nerve, love. Just... be safe tonight, okay?"

"Uh... okay, I guess?" Ana responded, her eyebrows furrowed. With a quick shake of her head, she quickly added "Whatever. See you tonight, Ric."

"See you tonight." Alaric softly spoke as he watched Ana stroll out of the bar.

Once Ana was gone, Alaric downed the rest of his bourbon before hastily walking out too.

Tonight was going to be... well, interesting to say the least.

★·'¯'·★

Katherine sat in the wooden chair, blood trickling down her legs and the most unimpressed expression doting on her face. All those years of running and hiding for what? Being caught and killed?

"Hm, I assume you spent time with my sister? I doubt there's anyone else who piques your interest around here." Katherine spat bitterly, watching Alaric/Klaus as he searched his apartment. "That would explain why you don't seem so stressed about this little witchy problem."

"Perhaps I did see your sister - not that it's any of your concern. As far as I remember, you did turn her into a vampire, which automatically gets you to the top of my 'torture' list. Congratulations." Klaus stated, with thick sarcasm lacing his tone.

There was a moment of silence, with Klaus searching Alaric's apartment and Katherine stirring in resentment, but it didn't last long. Soon enough, Klaus turned to Katherine with pursed lips and admitted "You're right, though. The little witch was all juiced up and aiming to kill."

"Wow, my condolences." Katherine muttered sarcastically, staring at the floor with utter boredom. If someone would ask Katherine what her worst nightmare would be, this would be the exact answer.

"We're gonna have to kill her, Maddox. Which, annoyingly, will put a kink in my plans of revealing myself to Ana. I mean, it was supposed to be romantic - now it might be flat out creepy." Klaus added, whilst also searching through Alaric's clothes and belongings. "Do you think this Alaric guy has anything vintage?"

Opening a hidden hatch in one of the draws, Klaus smirked. "Cross bows, wooden bullets and automatics? Who is this guy, again?"

"He's the local vampire hunter." Katherine explained, rolling her eyes.

"Ahh. Well, that explains the clothing. He dresses like he's homeless - he could at least be a bit more presentable." Klaus muttered, looking at the clothes with disgust.

Meanwhile, Maddox raided the alcohol collection, frowning at the lack thereof. Handing Klaus a glass of bourbon, he explained "All I could find. Guy likes his bourbon."

"I knew there was something about him I liked." Klaus said before downing the drink. With a slight pause to swallow the drink, he began "There's a high school dance and I'm gonna need you to take out the little witch."

"If she has that much power, she can sense me coming from a mile away." Maddox added, looking at Klaus with a serious gaze. "I won't be able to get near her. You have to do it."

"In this body? I'm a haggard history teacher. She can easily hurt me. I mean, not me, Klaus me, but you know what I mean." Klaus explained, shaking his head.

Stepping forward, Maddox replied "No witch could handle channeling that much power. It'll kill her. It would kill me. You just have to make her use it."

"You mean like provoking her to death?" Klaus asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Won't take long." Maddox said. "Just keep attacking her until it kills her. His body, Alaric's, will last longer than hers will. I can do a protection spell to ensure it."

"Hm, okay." Klaus nodded slowly, looking Maddox deep in the eyes. "And what of Ana's hex? I want it sorted immediately."

"I'll let Greta know - she can meet you at the dance. She's young so she'll blend in." Maddox stated, nodding at Klaus in acknowledgement.

Walking away, Klaus added "Tell Greta that if the hex isn't removed by tonight, the ritual will be the least of her concerns."

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I'm so sorry for the disappearing act guys! I was super worried about getting this one wrong, so it took a longggg time for me to edit and add little details.

Ahh I so ship them!

Hope you all enjoy,

MikaelsonMonday x