S t r a n g e H a p p e n i n g s

"What do you mean you're not coming? Do I need to remind you that your Miss Mystic Falls record is really bad" spoke Malik loudly into the phone while he and Caroline walked down the stairs of the Lockwood mansion with a clipboard, preparing for the Miss Mystic Falls event. 

"Besides, you're a founding family member, by definition you have to be here" added Caroline immediately and they walked over to a table where Gabby was arranging some flowers.

Malik grabbed the flowers from her hands and rearranged them to their satisfaction before the duo walked away sending annoyed looks at everyone who did not seemed to be doing what they were meant to.

"Elena and I broke up. By definition, I don't need to be anywhere."

"Did that sound as depressing to you as it did to me?" asked Malik looking at Caroline.

"Oh, I'm not depressed. I just want to rip into someone's artery and feed until I can't breathe anymore."

"Well, you can't. As your sober sponsor, I am not going to let that happen. Try and sublimate" reprimanded Caroline immediately, but there was some silence at the other end of the call.

"She said she has feelings for Damon."

"What?! She can't have feelings for Damon! He's... Damon."

"And I'm revolted" added Malik earning an agreeing nod from Caroline before she continued.

"You know, I'm gonna talk to her. I'm going to shake some sense into her clearly diseased brain" ranted Caroline while Malik nodded rigorously.

"Yeah, well I don't know what good that'll do. Elena's right, being a vampire really has changed her."

"All the more reason to find a solution for her" added Malik and looking up just ticked another box in his list and turned his attention to Caroline. "Remind me why I'm helping you organise this again?"

"Because you love me?" asked Caroline innocently which just made Malik shake his head.

"Fair enough."

Suddenly the atmosphere change when Elena walked down the steps, Caroline noticed her and the brunette started to walk over to them, which is why they decided to end the phone conversation.

"Look, I got to go. Be careful. And remember, there is sublimating and then there is insanity."

"I'll be fine. Bye."

Elena decided she wanted to tell them both about everything, which is why Malik made his decision about going to do something useful instead. He checked the decorations and arrangements, until he met with Caroline again and they both saw Elena arranging flowers in a vase at a table.

"We have to talk to her" stated Caroline looking at Malik who let out a sigh immediately.

"Do I have to talk?" asked Malik with a raised eyebrow.

"No, I have plenty to say for the both of us."

"I'm all for it then. Let's go."

The moment they arrived next to Elena, she just looked up but no one had a word in before the blonde decided to get straight to the point.

"Look, I'm your best friend and I would never pick sides, but are you sure that this is what you want? Because Stefan is your soul mate" seeing the look Elena gave her she just let out a sigh and continued. "Sorry. Picking sides."

"It's not like I don't love Stefan anymore, but I can't deny that ever since I turned, my feelings for Damon have become more intense."

"Yeah, I know. Stefan filled me in on all the gory details."

"He did?" asked Elena clearly worried and looking at Malik the boy just gave her a knowing look, which made her more worried. "Is he okay?"

"Of course not! He's heartbroken."

"Well, what was I supposed to do? Lie to him?"

"No, but you also weren't supposed to let Damon into your over emotional vampire heart" butted in Malik unable to stay out of it anymore.

"Well, he did and now I am confused. I need to figure out what these feelings actually mean."

Before Malik could have said a word Shane appeared next to them, distracting him immediately. His face brightened up and his eyes stayed on the professor which was not missed either of the girls.

"Excuse me, I'm a little lost. I'm here to interview contestants."

"You're Professor Shane" deducted Elena seeing Malik's face.

"That's right. Professor by day; pageant judge by other day. In spite of being absurdly unqualified, I'm apparently awarding a scholarship."

"It's inside by the parlour" offered Malik with a smile, earning a grin from the professor in return.

"Right in here?"

"Yep" nodded Malik without saying another word.

"All right, I'll just follow the scent of hairspray and world domination. Oh and Malik, I hope you're doing your homework!"

Caroline laughed quietly seeing  Malik's face as Shane walked away. Elena turned around and looked at Caroline and Malik.

"He's the one who told Damon how to break the hunter's curse."

"He's also the one that has Bonnie so obsessed with practicing magic that she bailed on pageant prep... I barely got Malik out but I see he is just as whipped."

"I'm not whipped" defended Malik but kept his eyes on the professor.

"Clearly" laughed Caroline.

"And now he's judging Miss Mystic Falls?" asked Elena suspiciously and Caroline raised her eyebrows. "Jack of all trades or kind of creepy?"

"Jack of all trades" commented Malik and he suddenly shook himself and looking at the girls smiled. "I better check the front. By girls!"

Malik was standing with his clipboard, checking everything he had to when three girls walked towards him with flower arrangements. Just one look at them Malik's eyes widened and letting out a groan snapped.

"Stop, stop!" the girls' smile faltered and they came to a halt. "Those flowers go in the back as indicated by the chart that you guys had plenty of time to memorize. That way, thank you."

Once the girls turned around and left Malik let out a sigh and going back to his clipboard began running his finger on it when a voice came from behind him.

"Now, how did I know I'd find you at the helm of the ship? I half expected Caroline to be bossing people about but seeing you do it I'm quite excited."

"Not now Klaus, I'm busy."

"I was wondering what time I should pick you up tomorrow."

Malik stopped and looked up from his clipboard again and over at him and with a judgy look responded.

"Quite presumptions of you. How about half past never?"

"I was promised a date in return for one of my hybrids."

"Yes, a date with less interactions between us and not as my escort to one of the town's biggest events. I'll have my hands full anyway the last thing I need is you trying to distract me."

"Well, surely with the reigning Miss Mystic Falls running around you won't be hosting the party. Not to mention Eric has left Mystic Falls so perhaps showing up alone wouldn't be the best option..." Malik was about to tell him no but as he looked over Klaus was looking at him with puppy dog eyes. It made him gulp and noticing the affect it had on him he blinked and looking at the clipboard began to walk away but then stopped and turning back to Klaus spoke up.

"Fine. If you insist on coming, meet me here. Two p.m. Black tie optional" he walked away a bit before turning back to him pointed a finger. "I already have an outfit planned from head to toe, so don't even think of getting me so much as a cufflink, you understand?"

Klaus looked down submissively and nodded, allowing Malik to turn away and walk up the stairs, but Klaus made a point of calling after him with a smug smile.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Malik."

As per the plans Malik dressed up formally, he wore a white short-sleeved collarless shirt, shoving off his arms, his black trousers were just as tight, he had his rings, his necklace and his bracelet on. As he looked at the one Klaus gave him, he tough for a moment, trying to decide if he should wear it or not. It certainly went with his outfit, but would Klaus tease him for it? He wasn't sure.

Regardless he put it on and checking himself out fixed his hair and with a smile left the house. On his way out he heard Bonnie practicing magic which just made him shake his head but he was smiling, Bonnie seemed happy and so was he.

Arriving to the Lockwood property he met up with Elena and Caroline as apparently April had some problems and she needed their help. Malik just stood there as the girls were discussing her outfit options.

"Blue" spoke the girls at the same time while Malik just leaned back.

"Really? The blue seems a little safe."

"Safe is good when it comes to the judges" added Elena while she looked at Caroline.

"She's right. Gracie Lockwood had a three-foot slit her year and practically got laughed off the court."

Elena smiled and laughed until the door opened and Damon walked into the room.

"She got my vote."

Malik just let out a sigh and rolled his eyes while Elena looked at him and appeared to stop breathing. That was the moment Malik became interested and watched Elena while Caroline threw a black object at Damon and hit him in the chest.

"Get out!"

"Ouch" commented Damon sarcastically. "Where's Professor Shane?"

"Check the judges' table" spoke Caroline and began to close the door on him but Damon put his hand up and pushed it back open.

"Red one, definitely."

Caroline has stopped in the middle of the room, midway between Elena and Damon, she crossed her arms and spoke in a condescending tone.

"We've already agreed that the red one is a little bit too showy."

"It's a pageant. That's the whole point."

"Did you win Miss Mystic last year? No. I don't think you did."

"Neither did Elena and she wore blue."

"Nobody cares what you think" remarked Caroline confidently.

"I care" added April which made Malik smirk and get up.

"See? April cares. Red. Right, Elena?"

Caroline glared at Elena who thought for a moment and looked at April but what she said next shook the blonde to her core.

"The red is pretty."

Caroline's face fell, even Malik was shocked by the complete 360 that he just witnessed. It seemed far too weird but he decided to stay quiet while Damon smirked.

"And my work here is done" added Damon and walked out of the room.

Caroline looked back at Elena and putting her hands on her hips questioned her best friend immediately.

"Uh, what happened to thirty seconds ago when you hated the red one? What happened to safe is good?"

"Whichever one you want to wear, April."

Elena walked out of the room hurriedly, Caroline and Malik watched her leave and the blonde turned around and looking at Malik asked confused.

"What just happened?"

"Not sure Care... but go on, get your things sorted, okay?"

Caroline just nodded and left the room, April was surprised and stood around confused when Malik turned to her with a smile and grabbing the clothes from her hands guided her to the mirror and while standing behind her spoke gently.

"Tell me, April. When you look at yourself in the mirror... which one of these makes you feel comfortable. Which one of these dresses shouts at you saying... this is me, look at me, I'm April Young?"

The girl thought for a moment and while Malik switched between the two outfits she smiled and grabbing the red one spoke.

"This one"

"Then you should wear this one. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks. Even if someone thinks what is best, your confidence is what will determine the outcome."

"I see you haven't changed Mal" spoke April and turned around. "Even as kids you were always so mature."

"Don't let that fool you" smiled the boy. "I just have the ability to look at things from an outsider's point of view. Now get ready, don't want to be late."

Malik got up and left the room quickly. As he got outside he began to check things out one last time and the moment he noticed something that wasn't up to Caroline's standards he immediately went to correct it. Walking around the tables he noticed empty glasses, picking them up he smiled at the people but seeing the bus boys he walked to them angrily.

"Hey, why am I bussing your tables?" he slammed the glass onto their tray and noticing the band playing a slow music he groaned and marching to them stopped and snapping his fingers spoke up.

"Will you guys pick up the tempo?! This is a pageant, not a funeral."

He turned around to walk away when he came face to face with Klaus.

"And how am I doing?"

Malik stopped and looked at him but seeing that there was nothing to correct on him he smiled and letting out a sigh spoke.

"You're... perfect" hearing that comment Klaus smiled, so Malik decided to turn him down a little. "Which is also beyond annoying. And I kinda hate you for it."

Klaus didn't say anything as he looked over Malik's shoulder and spoke gently seeing Tyler and Hayley walk into the evet from the small garden bridge holding hands.

"They didn't waste any time, did they?"

Seeing them two Malik decided not to comment on it, instead he just turned to Klaus and let out a sigh.

"Let's just get today over with."

The two of them walked together to the assembly point and standing there Malik just looked at Caroline as she began the event.

"Hi, everyone, I'm Caroline Forbes. As the reigning Miss Mystic Falls, it is my honour to introduce this year's Miss Mystic Court."

Everyone clapped for the girls, and soon enough music started playing for the introduction of the girls.

Malik noticed Matt approach Elena and the nearby table so his attention shifted slightly from Caroline calling out the girls' name.

"Have you seen Jeremy?"

"He's probably up there with the escorts."

"Caroline told me to wrangle the escorts. He's not here" hearing that even Malik began to worry and focused more on their conversation. "Did he tell you about his nightmares?"

"What nightmares?"

"The ones where he kills you."

Malik's eyes widened for a moment but as he began thinking he realised it all made sense. The hunter's made an oath to eliminate vampires... which meant the spirits were in work to get Jeremy to kill all vampires. And him living with one meant Elena was their first target for it.

"Katherine Wilson accompanied by Eric Hanson" came the voice of Caroline but Malik was more focused on the Jeremy issue, while Klaus just looked at Malik quietly.

"And finally, we have a last-minute entry, April Young accompanied by Jeremy Gilbert."

Malik looked up just realising that April was about to be abandoned, he watched as April continued to walk down the steps but stopped and looked around for Jeremy.

Caroline also looked around for Jeremy but kept a large smile on her face trying to reassure everyone that it was alright. To her relief Matt walked up to where the escorts were lined up and held out his arm for April. Everyone applauded and April breathed a sigh of relief.

Malik also let out a sigh of relief and he could finally relax. Klaus noticed how his demeanour changed, this was the point when he gently placed a hand on his back but to his surprises Malik did not swat him away.

Instead of doing anything Malik just looked around and saw how Caroline was walking to Elena, which made him move immediately as well with Klaus following quietly. Getting there Caroline was quick to question Elena.

"Hey, what's with the last minute escort change? Where is Jeremy"

"I'm calling him right now" responded Elena while holding her phone but it seemed she had no answer. "He's not picking up."

"Do the math. Emo teen, open bar, it's fine" commented Damon but Malik was quick to counter it.

"Jeremy has been clean and responsible. Use whatever brain you have left Damon, not everyone is like you.

"Matt said that Jeremy's been having nightmares about killing vampires and he's been hiding it from me" spoke Elena which surprised Caroline but Damon just shrugged it off.

"Relax, I'm sure he's fine."

"I don't know. I have a bad feeling."

"If I'm not worried, you shouldn't be worried. Let it go, I'll go look for him."

"Okay" responded Elena which shook Caroline and Malik. The two exchanged a look and the moment Damon left them the blonde turned to Elena, Caroline decided to ignore Damon and take action.

"Okay, you go home, I'm gonna start asking around here."

"Maybe Damon's right. Maybe he grabbed a bottle from the bar and snuck off to the woods."

"No, Damon is not right. Jeremy hasn't been that way for a long time and it's not in his nature to just abandon April on an event like this" snapped Malik immediately as he felt his best friend being judged for no reason. "How can you not see that?"

"I don't know, but why do I think that you won't hesitate to tell me?" sassed Elena which triggered Malik immediately, seeing that Caroline butted in.

"Fine, time out. I think your so-called "feelings" for Damon are really starting to cloud your judgment and I don't like it. And the thought of you two together really makes me want to barf."

"Not to mention you're acting like a total bitch when it comes to us stating any type of negative opinion of Damon" snapped Malik unable to hold back, but that was the point when Klaus put a hand on his shoulder and spoke in a soothing voice.

"Easy, love, you're making a scene."

"Wow, thank you for making this very difficult time so much easier" spoke Elena but Malik was quick to get into her face.

"Boo-hoo poor Elena. It's not like it wasn't us sacrificing everything for you. Fine, be a bitch and pretend to be the victim. But next time things go wrong... I'll be there to make sure you suffer for it."

As he said that the glasses on the table cracked, Elena walked off in a huff and while Caroline was shocked Klaus stepped closer and put a comforting hand on Malik;'s shoulder, calming him down almost instantly. Once Elena was out of earshot Malik turned to Klaus and Caroline.

"How did I become the bad guy?"

"Let's get you a drink. I'll tell you all about being the bad guy" spoke Klaus which made Malik just chuckle and nodding his head followed him.

Malik and Klaus were walking next to the pond on the Lockwood property, Klaus was carrying two glasses and a bottle of champagne, all the while listening to Malik's rant.

"It's just Jeremy is my friend, so is Elena so one would assume she would at least listen to my opinion. And now she's taking Damon's side on everything and her behaviour is very odd... It reminds me of something but can't quite put my finger on it."

"So, being a vampire's changed her?"

"Which doesn't add up. Being a vampire only amplifies who you already are. It doesn't turn you into a completely different person."

"It's very peculiar" spoke Klaus in an amused tone a smirk appeared on his face, making Malik feel like whatever it was he was missing Klaus already figured out.

"You know what's going on, don't you?"

"It'll all make sense eventually."

"I'd rather it made sense now but... Whatever, let's hope with the cure things will go back to normal."

Malik sat down on a stone bench by the pond, Klaus placed the champagne down next to him and gave him a knowing look.

"I'm working on it."

Malik remained silent while Klaus sat next to him and started to open the champagne bottle, but as he began thinking about the cure he turned to the hybrid with a curious look.

"Would you ever take it?"

"Now, why would I want to cure myself of being the most powerful creature on the planet? Hm?"

"So, there's not one single moment in your whole life that you wanted to be human?"

Malik expected a small speech about being the most powerful creature and a true immortal but instead Klaus just looked at him with raised eyebrows and smile, then popped the cork off the champagne bottle.

He avoided the question, which made Malik intrigued.

"How about you? Would you completely give up your magic?"

"Good point" responded Malik with a smile.

"I've noticed that you're getting back in touch with it" commented Klaus while handing him a glass. "Have the spirits finally see reason and forgiven you?"

"Nope" responded Malik and took a sip of his drink. "It's a bit different, something they don't control... but I suppose this answers the question of me willing to part with my magic... which is weird, considering that before all of this, my biggest concern was which college or university I wanted to attend."

"Life used to be a lot easier" commented Klaus and slowly getting up pulled out a piece of paper. "I mean you must miss the days of being... the "Chair of Mystic Falls Cultural and Arts Committee" and the "Co-Director of the Policeman's Yearly Raffle."

Malik's eyes widened as he suddenly realised what he was reading.

"Is that my application for the Boarding School?" asked and getting up smacked the paper out of his hands, but Klaus managed to catch it. "How did you even get that?!"

""When I am chosen, I intend to redefine standards and new hights"" continued Klaus after a chuckle, which just made Malik cross his arms in front of his chest in frustration. "Now, I'm really enjoying your use of when here. It's very confident."

The boy just looked at him and laughed sarcastically but Klaus wasn't done, he looked back on the paper and continued to read out.

""And above all, I promise to aspire, inspire, and perspire..."" Malik just put his hands in his hips and continued to nod and smile, clearly not enjoying this torment but it seemed Klaus couldn't stop laughing. "Obviously, we found a shortage of words ending in "spire"."

"Yeah, it's very funny" commented Malik and tried to take the paper from Klaus, but he kept pulling it out of reach. "It's hilarious. Just- "

Klaus held the paper out behind him and away from Malik and gave a challenging look, his expression clearly said 'try and take it from me'.

Seeing his face Malik stopped trying and cracked a genuine smile which was followed by a laugh. Klaus laughed with him and the two sat back down on the bench and continued to drink their champagne.

"Caroline helped me with it" admitted Malik. "You know we were more like frenemies at that point. Before everything really started to get worse before I had my accident and awakened my magic early. When I returned and she was part of the supernatural world... that's when we started to become close again."

"It seems the two of you made an excellent team."

"Yeah" agreed Malik and looking at his phone saw a text message from Caroline, telling him that they were about to crown the winner.

Klaus just watched his face for a moment before he gently took the phone and placing in between them spoke.

"You can stay here... I promise I won't bite."

"Well..." teased Malik with a smile which just made Klaus chuckle and looking back at him the two of them just laughed again.

The stayed there for a bit longer until Klaus just informed him that the award has been given to April Young, Malik just nodded and as they began walking back just before they would have reached the crowed Klaus suddenly stopped walking.

The warlock stopped as well and turning to Klaus he looked serious for a moment then began talking.

"I never answered your question about being human. Once, I was on a trek in the Andies, and a hummingbird flew up to me. It just hovered there, staring at me, its tiny heart was pattering like a machine gun. And I thought, what a thing, you know, to have to work that hard every day just to stay alive. To be constantly on the verge of death and how satisfying every day must be that it survived. And that was the only time I thought about being human."

Malik felt something he hasn't felt before. Klaus was honest and vulnerable, actually tried to open up to him which surprised him.

He smiled at Klaus and wanted to step closer but with all the people still around he just glanced at them and saw Tyler looking towards them intently. He just let out a small sigh and looking back at Klaus his genuine smile remained.

"Thank you for today... I really appreciate it."

"It's a good thing I showed up then" came the cocky answer earning an eyeroll from the boy but the smile remained.

"I'll go and see Caroline, she will probably behead me for missing out on the awards but... I meant it. Today was nice" admitted the boy which earned a big smile from Klaus.

"I'll see you around then" spoke Klaus and stepping closer planted a kiss on his cheek before he took a step back.

Malik began to walk away but he glanced back a few times, each time a smile on his face until he finally got to Caroline who seemed really worked up.

Seeing everything that happened Malik decided to go back to her place, apparently Stefan was really upset about the break up with Elena and she wanted to make sure he was okay and did not flip out into a ripper.

At first, he was somewhat worried as he was the only mortal present, but the moment Stefan began pouring shots all of that just disappeared.

"Elena's right. I need to let go" spoke Stefan deep in thoughts, but Caroline was quick to respond.

"No, you're right, Stefan. It's not easy, but you can't give up on her."

"Caroline, she looked me in the eye and she told me to move on."

"She's lost. Okay, you and her, epic. Her and Damon, no thank you. There's something wrong with her. Just promise me you won't stop looking for the cure."

"Klaus won't let me even if I wanted to" commented Stefan and placed his shot glass down and poured himself another one.

"Why does he care?" asked Caroline curiously and put his glass down so that it can be refilled again.

"He wants to keep Elena human so that he can make more hybrids" answered Stefan distastefully, while Carole sat back into her chair and relaxed.

"He's gonna need them. Tyler's almost got all of them unsired."

The moment she said that, all the pieces came together and Malik finally saw what was happening. The missing piece for their recent troubles.

"Oh my God" exclaimed the boy and looked at Caroline.

Stefan looked up at him confused. Caroline was surprised as well but seeing his face she began to think about what she said and realising what Malik had in mind she exclaimed in the same manner:

"Oh. My. God."

Stefan held his arms out in a gesture for them to explain what they meant and Malik began talking.

"I was trying to understand why Klaus was so intrigued by Damon and Elena. He said I would figure it out. This is what he was talking about."

"What are you talking about?" Stefan was still confused but eager to understand what the warlock was on about.

"Think about it. Every time Elena's had a problem, Damon's been the solution. Today, Elena was worried about Jeremy. Who made her stop and tell her to relax? Damon. And she listened."

"When Elena started feeding, who said that she could only drink blood straight from the vein?" added Caroline and it seemed Stefan began to realise what Caroline and Malik were getting at.

"Damon."

"And when she tried to drink from animals? Or even blood bag?"

"She couldn't keep it down" responded Stefan following their train of thoughts.

"Name one vampire in the history of vampires who couldn't drink blood from a blood bag. Damon said she couldn't, so she couldn't" spoke Caroline as she and Malik began pacing around. "Damon likes the red dress. Elena likes the red dress" added Caroline referring to their conversation before the pageant.

"Damon says kill Connor and she kills Connor" countered Stefan.

"What if it's possible? Damon's blood made her a vampire, right?" asked Malik and Stefan looked at him. "It's rare, but not impossible. What if this is one of those times?"

They sat back down, and Caroline looked at Stefan.

"What if this is really happening?"

"Elena's sired to Damon."