Bound in the Shadows / TVD N.M

🦋~° 3 °~🦋

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Liora

Now, things are getting weird.
"I'm sorry, but if you're talking to me, your problem might be bigger than talking to thin air," I said, looking him straight in the face.

And here we are—two people just staring at each other.
"I'm starting to believe you're the crazy one," the boy finally said, sighing in frustration.

"No, no," I replied after processing the situation. "Believe me, you're the crazy one! Not everyone talks to ghosts like they're real and not... well, see-through." As I spoke, I attempted to ruffle his hair, which looked so soft and fluffy.

"Ghosts?" He looked dumbfounded.

"Yeah, ghosts!" I repeated, slower this time. "You know, dead people no one else can see? That's why, if you're talking to me, you are the one who's crazy."

He stared at me, clearly confused, but I pressed on. "But while we're at it—have you seen an old, tall, blondish man running around here? I'm not great with descriptions... hasn't really been a problem before." I scratched the back of my neck, waiting for his response.

Without a word, the boy simply turned and walked straight out the door.

"Well, that was rude!"

What did I do wrong?

And now, do you know what I'm doing? I'M RUNNING AFTER THIS BOY BECAUSE... BECAUSE...

I don't know.

Maybe because he can actually see me.

He's the first person who can really see me—not just the watery ghost version, but the real me. The kind you look at with your eyes.

And there he is, right by the door... banging his head against the wall.

"Do I smell bad or something?" I asked, feeling genuinely concerned. "Why are you hitting your head?"

The boy turned to look at me again, sighing deeply.
"The guy you're looking for... is he a teacher here? Based on your amazing description, I think I know someone who fits."

I grinned widely, probably a little too widely—it was definitely a bit creepy.
"THIS IS MY FIRST INTERACTION WITH A PERSON IN FOREVER!" I exclaimed excitedly.

"Why are you looking for Mr. Saltzman, anyway?" he asked, clearly still confused but curious. "If you don't mind me asking."

"Eh, I don't think you're ready for that kind of information, little boy," I teased, making another failed attempt to pat his head.

"Could you just point me in his direction, then?" I asked sweetly. "That would be very kind of you." If that wasn't nice, I don't know what is.

"My name's Liora," I added, stretching out my hand, but quickly realized that was pointless. Stretching out a hand, then trying to facepalm—it's all the same when you're a ghost.

"I'm Jeremy, and Mr. Saltzman's classroom is that way," he said, pointing in the right direction with a small chuckle.

If I wasn't a ghost, you'd probably see my face turning red. Sometimes it's good to be invisible.

"Well, I'll be back!" I declared, pointing a finger at him. "And when I do, we're going to have a looooong talk about ghosts and friendship."

Jeremy grinned as I turned to run, and yes, I've made a friend!

I'm so good at this—I should do it more often.

Wait... oh.

"Okay, I'm going now, young boy. Bye!" I called as I dashed away.
Way to ruin a perfectly good conversation.

But I had no choice—my stomach cramped painfully. I needed to find Niklaus before things got worse.

You know, as a ghost, you don't really get much entertainment. My ONLY entertainment is Nik! And honestly, how hilarious is it to imagine a thousand-year-old man stuck teaching kids in a classroom?

And, of course, teaching history!

The universe just won't let me have fun. Instead, all I get is Nik talking about the '60s. I don't even know why.

"Watergate was the '70s, Ric," a girl corrected him. I glanced over and immediately regretted it—she looked just like Katerina.

"Mr. Saltzman," she stammered out, but I was too busy watching Nik to care.

You should have seen his face when he spotted something—or someone—he wanted.
Dude, she's a minor. Not cool.

"Yeah, thanks, Elena. The '60s, '70s—it all kind of blurs together," Nik replied, pointing to his head with a smile before turning back around. I heard him mention the Beatles, and that was enough to make me zone out.

I swear, he was the biggest fanboy back then. I tried so many times to escape that phase, but here I am, still stuck with him.

Suddenly, I snapped out of my thoughts when I noticed someone staring at me—a girl with dark skin and intense energy.

A witch.

Can she see me too? Or just... sense me? This was getting creepy fast.
I'd need to follow her around for a bit, then catch up with Niklaus because, well, pain. After that, I should try to find Jeremy. That boy is cute.

I overheard Nik compelling a girl named Dana.
"Go up to Elena and her friends and ask if she wants to go to the '60s dance with me. Tell her to save me the last dance, and make sure you mention how hot I am."

Nik's sense of self-love was through the roof. Some people say self-love is important, but Nik was just... extra.

As Dana left for the cafeteria, I followed her. I had to see Elena's face when Dana gave her the news about Klaus.

This school is as ugly as Elena's face, I thought to myself. I know, that's harsh. But I can't help it—I wish Nik would focus on me instead of this ridiculous curse-breaking plan. I probably know how he could become a hybrid, but he's too distracted.

We reached the cafeteria, and I couldn't help but smirk.
"Hey, Elena," Dana said, "I know this is weird, but some super-hot guy asked me to invite you to the '60s dance."

The whole table—Elena, a witch, and a blonde vampire—stared in disbelief.

"Tell him she already has a boyfriend," the witch snapped.
"But he really wants to meet you," Dana insisted. "His name is Klaus."

The looks on their faces? Priceless. They acted like they'd just seen a ghost.

Totally zoning out now, but I can't stop thinking about Jeremy. I have to find him as soon as I get the chance.

The witch, Bonnie, spoke again, her voice filled with suspicion.
"I've got a weird feeling someone's standing near us... and I think it might have something to do with this."

"Let's get to the boardinghouse," the blonde, Caroline, suggested.
"You're right. I'll call Stefan," Elena replied.

Ugh, the Salvatores. They're like a bunch of children. I saw Damon once, after Nik dealt with Stefan. Nik, of course, acted like a big baby, just like his sister, Rebekah. But Rebekah is sweet—she just falls in love too easily.

Bonnie, the witch, seems to sense me... I'll have to be careful around her. She's powerful, and I'll need to warn Niklaus before the next full moon.