TVD: Equilibrium

Hanging out with Violet was a strategic yet comedic decision, nothing personal. I wasn't opposed to a little entertainment. Her bubbly demeanor was almost comical, and she clearly loved the sound of her own voice. That kind of personality was an open door for someone like me who can be infinitely patient. All I had to do was let her fill the silence, and she'd tell me everything I needed to know.

It started with ice cream.

"I just love this place," Violet said, twirling her spoon through her mint chocolate chip. Her green eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned across the table. "So, where are you from? Savannah, right? What's it like there?"

I took a slow bite of my vanilla cone, meeting her gaze with a faint smile. "It's nice. Quiet. Not much different from here, really."

She nodded eagerly, hanging onto my every word. "I've always wanted to visit. Do you miss it?"

"Not particularly," I said, my tone calm and measured. "Mystic Falls has its own charm."

That seemed to please her, and she launched into a story about her family's history in the town. She spoke with the kind of pride only a lifelong local could have, sprinkling in names and anecdotes that painted a vivid picture of Mystic Falls' social web.

"So, you've met Elena, right?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Briefly," I replied, feigning disinterest.

"Well," she said, leaning closer like she was about to share a state secret, "she's kind of the center of everything here. You know, one of those girls who just has it. Everyone loves her, but there's so much drama around her. It's wild."

I nodded, letting her think I cared. Violet, as it turned out, was a treasure trove of information. By the time we'd finished our ice cream, I'd learned just about everyone of note who could have a shred of importance due to the gossip alone.

he Arcade

At the arcade, Violet continued to chatter as we moved from game to game. I let her win a few rounds of air hockey, feigning just enough effort to make it seem competitive.

"You're good at this," she said, grinning as she knocked the puck past me for the third time.

I shrugged. "Beginner's luck."

"You're so modest," she teased, her laughter light and carefree. "Most guys would be bragging right now."

"I'm not most guys," I said simply, and the way her cheeks flushed told me I'd struck the right note.

Mystic Grill

Our final stop was the Mystic Grill. The warm glow of the lights and the low hum of conversation created a cozy atmosphere, perfect for Violet's incessant chatter. She ordered a salad and a soda, while I opted for a burger and water.

"You're really different, you know that?" Violet said, twirling a strand of blonde hair around her finger.

"Different how?" I asked, genuinely curious what she'd say.

"Well, you're… quiet," she said, searching for the right words. "But not in a shy way. It's like you're always thinking about something. It's… mysterious."

I chuckled softly. "Mysterious, huh? That's a new one."

She blushed again, giggling nervously. "Yeah, well… I think it's cool."

I tilted my head, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make her uncomfortable. "Thanks, Violet."

Before she could respond, her phone buzzed. She glanced at it and sighed. "Ugh, I'll be right back. Nature calls."

"Take your time," I said, my tone even.

As soon as she was out of earshot, I leaned back in my chair, taking in the room. That's when I spotted them.

Damon and Stefan were seated at the bar, their eyes locked on me like a pair of hawks. Damon's expression was a mix of amusement and suspicion, while Stefan's was more restrained, his brows furrowed in thought.

They got up simultaneously, making their way over to my table.

"Mind if we join you?" Damon asked, not waiting for an answer as he slid into Violet's seat.

Stefan took the chair opposite me, his movements calm but deliberate.

I leaned back, maintaining a neutral expression. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Damon smirked, folding his arms on the table. "Just curious. New guy in town, hanging out with one of our locals. Thought we'd introduce ourselves properly."

"Hunter," I said, offering a small nod. "And you are?"

"Damon Salvatore," he said, his smirk widening. "This is my brother, Stefan."

Stefan nodded politely, his gaze steady. "Nice to meet you."

Damon leaned forward, his tone dripping with faux friendliness. "So, Hunter, what brings you to Mystic Falls? Business? Pleasure?"

"Both," I said smoothly.

Damon chuckled. "Cryptic. I like it." He tapped his fingers on the table, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You know, Mystic Falls is a small town. People notice things. Like, say, a new guy showing up at the Founder's Ball last night and catching everyone's attention."

"Is that a problem?" I asked, my tone even.

"Not at all," Damon said, flashing a grin that didn't reach his eyes. "Just… intriguing."

Stefan cut in, his tone gentler. "We're just trying to get to know you, Hunter. That's all."

I glanced between them, weighing my options. Damon was clearly the more volatile of the two, while Stefan seemed more grounded. It was a delicate balance, but I knew how to play this game.

"Well," I said, leaning forward slightly, "I appreciate the warm welcome. Mystic Falls has been… interesting so far."

Damon's smile tightened. "Oh, I'm sure it has."

Before the conversation could go any further, Violet returned, her cheerful voice cutting through the tension. "Hey! What's going on here?"

Damon stood, his smile turning charming as he stepped aside. "Just saying hi to the new guy."

"Don't let us interrupt," Stefan said, following his brother's lead. "Enjoy your evening."

They walked away, leaving Violet none the wiser.

"Who were they?" she asked, sliding back into her seat.

"Just a couple of locals," I said with a faint smile. "Friendly, aren't they?"

Violet giggled, oblivious to the undercurrent of the exchange.

I returned my attention to her, but my mind stayed on the Salvatores. This game was getting more interesting by the minute.

(Damon)

The air outside the Mystic Grill felt suffocating despite the cool night breeze. My fists clenched at my sides, nails biting into my palms as the memory of that smug kid's face replayed in my mind. Every word, every calculated pause, every smirk—it all grated on me like nails on a chalkboard.

The talisman was right there, hanging from his hand as if it were some cheap trinket. I tried subtlety, even mustered some of my signature charm, but he didn't bite. He didn't flinch. If anything, he seemed amused, like he knew exactly what he was doing—taunting me, testing me.

And then there was Stefan, sitting there with his ever-present moral compass, silently judging my every move. I didn't need his lectures or his pity.

I needed that talisman.

The thought of Katherine trapped in that tomb for another hundred years made my blood boil. I'd waited long enough. Too long.

I turned a corner, my frustration spilling over as I spotted a lone passerby. A young man, mid-twenties, headphones in, blissfully unaware of the danger he was walking into.

"Hey," I called, flashing a grin as he turned, startled.

The interaction was brief—a few seconds of feigned politeness before my hunger and anger took over. I sank my teeth into his neck, ignoring his muffled cries as I drained him. The blood was warm, filling me with a rush of power, but it wasn't enough to dull the edge of my rage.

When he went limp, I let him fall to the ground. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, the satisfaction fleeting.

"Damon!"

I turned to see Stefan standing a few feet away, his face a mixture of shock and disapproval.

"What?" I snapped. "Don't look at me like that."

Stefan's Perspective

"What the hell are you doing?" I demanded, rushing toward the lifeless body sprawled on the ground.

Damon shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Feeding. What does it look like?"

"You're out of control," I said, my voice rising. "Do you even think about the consequences of your actions? You just killed someone in the middle of town!"

"He was alone," Damon said dismissively. "No one's going to miss him."

"That's not the point!" I shouted. "Every time you do something like this, you're putting us all at risk. The council, hunters—do you even care?"

Damon's smirk faded, replaced by a cold, steely glare. "Don't lecture me, Stefan. Not tonight."

"Someone has to," I said, stepping closer. "You're spiraling, Damon. This obsession with Katherine, the tomb, the talisman—it's driving you mad."

Damon laughed, the sound bitter. "Spiraling? No, brother. I'm focused. I need that talisman, and I'm not going to let some smug little punk keep it from me."

"Who even is he?" I asked. "How does he know about the talisman? About us?"

Damon's jaw tightened, and I could see the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice low. "But he knows something, Stefan. And I'm going to find out what it is."

"At what cost?" I said quietly. "You're already leaving a trail of bodies. How much longer before the council starts sniffing around? Or worse—someone stronger than you?"

Damon's eyes narrowed, his tone turning icy. "I don't care. If you want me out of this town, help me get the talisman. Otherwise, stay out of my way."

He disappeared in a blur, leaving me alone with the body and a sinking feeling in my chest.

(Stefan)

For a long moment, I stood there, staring down at the lifeless man. The weight of Damon's actions—and his words—pressed heavily on my shoulders.

This wasn't just about Katherine anymore. It wasn't even about the talisman. Damon was unraveling, becoming more dangerous by the day.

And then there was Hunter. The way he had handled Damon at the Grill wasn't just impressive—it was unnerving. He didn't flinch, didn't show even a hint of fear.

What was he?

A vampire? No, there was no trace of smell. A witch? Possibly, but something about him felt... different, those tattoos.

The worst part was knowing that Damon wasn't wrong. Hunter knew too much, and he wasn't just some random passerby. He was here for a reason, and whatever that reason was, it wasn't good.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I needed to figure out who Hunter was and what he wanted before Damon did something irreversible.

But where did that leave me? Stuck between my brother's obsession and a stranger's secrets, trying to keep this fragile peace from shattering entirely.

I turned away from the body, the sound of sirens faint in the distance. This wasn't over—not by a long shot.

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Last Chapter for a day or 2 idk

STONES!!!!!!!!!!