Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries! All rights remain with their respectful owners! The only element I own is Annmarie Gilbert.

Summary: When the wrong doppelganger is kidnapped by Elijah, Annmarie Gilbert is taken into a world where she discovers things she never knew existed and an ever-growing bond she knows she shouldn't be feeling.

This story is post 3x03. ElijahxOCxKlaus.

Colorblind
Chapter One - Disconnected

Annmarie Gilbert was one of a kind and she'd never known it before. She was a doppelganger and the third in existence. At first, the revelation made her feel somewhat special. She was the key to something big, and finally Annmarie felt like her life had meaning. However, the feeling didn't last. Not when she was faced with the truth behind her being, anyway.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Annmarie sighed contently. Reflecting back at her was the eighteen-year-old she'd recently become. The 5' 6" Bulgarian beauty wore an old Rolling Stones band shirt with simple dark blue denim shorts underneath. Annmarie was definitely a plain Jane to most girls her age. Her face presented little make-up and her long brown hair was tied back in a simple pony tail. However, she found no reason to dress herself up. Elijah hadn't returned since he'd brought Elena to the house almost two months ago.

"Elena is downstairs," Elijah spoke as he walked into the bedroom he'd provided Annmarie with.

Annmarie immediately shot up from the picture she was drawing, her eyes full of surprise to see Elijah was finally back from what he usually described as 'business'. "W-what?" Annmarie asked. Her tone voiced her confusion.

"Elena is downstairs," Elijah repeated. His voice remained sincere as usual.

"That's not what I meant," Annmarie replied, still trying to wrap her head around the fact that Elijah was back and with the twin sister she'd never met before. "Where have you been? You were gone longer than usual."

"I was taking care of business." Annmarie frowned at his choice of words. Elijah noticed her expression become curious, but chose to let the moment pass. "Certain things didn't plan the way I'd expected them to."

"What do you mean?" Annmarie grew all the more inquisitive.

"That's not the case," Elijah answered her. He didn't feel the need to explain how he'd been stabbed with a white oat ash dagger by her twin sister. It'd only cause more questions to erupt from Annmarie's mouth.

"Then what is?"

"I discovered that your theory was correct." Annmarie grew more puzzled. "Elena doesn't know you exist, as you thought."

Annmarie nodded as she finally understood him. In some way's, she felt hurt that their birth parents had never bothered to tell Elena of her existence. Then again, Annmarie wasn't aware if Elena had been in contact with John and Isobel as she had herself. She was still in the dark.

Elijah grew concerned with Annmarie's silence and took a seat beside her on the bed. He didn't say a word but simply took her hand in his.

"How did you find out?" She finally broke the silence.

"I didn't. I presumed she didn't know of you when she didn't speak of you."

Annmarie took a deep breath before speaking. "Why did you bring her here?" She asked softly.

"She needs my help as I need hers. She has questions and I have the answer's she's looking for."

"About the curse you told me of?"

"Yes, but also about Klaus. Elena must be kept safe as must you." Elijah looked directly at her. There was a hint of protection in his gaze. Elijah always reassured Annmarie that she was safe with him, though she didn't need the reassurance. She already knew.

Annmarie suddenly looked down. "I can't come downstairs with you. I'm not ready. I need to meet her at the right time, and now doesn't feel right."

Elijah placed a hand underneath her chin, gently lifting her eyes at him. "It's okay," he whispered, assurance laced in those two words. "The less people know of you, the less danger you'll be in."

The right side of her lips curled upwards as she met his gaze. His words of comfort were always enough to make her smile.

"You'll know when you're ready to meet her, Annie," Elijah concluded, his other hand gently squeezing hers before he released. Slowly he stood up, looking down at Annmarie. "Now I must attend to this guest."

Just as Elijah was leaving the room, Annmarie quickly spoke. "You won't tell her of me, will you?" Her eyes practically begged for him not to.

"Of course not, never without your consent." Elijah smiled softly at the girl before finally leaving the room.

Annmarie watched from her window as Elijah and Elena took a stroll through the large back garden. She remained hidden behind the large red drapes, just in case her twin sister was to catch a peek by a casual gaze at the house. As her eyes narrowed, Annmarie grew more curious by the second as to what the pair was talking about, although Elijah had already told Annmarie what he was telling Elena before. It was clear Annmarie had an ulterior motive to her thoughts. Envy came easy to her. She'd scrutinize a situation with much thought though the real reason was standing right before her. The knowledge Elijah was sharing with Elena was needed with what the future currently held. Annmarie had nothing to be envious of.

Hours passed. Annmarie wasn't even made aware that Elena had left and come back again. She had been far too caught up in her drawing. However, as curiosity filled her senses much stronger than before, Annmarie slowly got up from her bed and crept her way out of the room. She tip-toed across the landing and stopped by the top of the staircase, eavesdropping on their conversation from downstairs.

"You found a way to save the life of the doppelganger?" Her twin sister had asked, a glimpse of hope clear in her voice.

Elijah's eyes remained glued to the floor. He almost looked full of sorrow as the memories had overcome him. "Yes Elena." He paused, his eyes shooting up to look back at her. "I did." Elijah walked to the side, leaving a surprised yet hopeful Elena lingering in the doorway. He grabbed Elena's coat, walking back over to her. "Unfortunately, Katerinatook matters into her own hands first." Again, he paused, handing her the coat. "I believe you already know how that played out."

Her eyes locked with Elijah as she felt sympathy for him. "You cared about her, didn't you?" Elena stated.

"It's a common mistake, I'm told." Another pause took over Elijah. His eyes showed sincerity. "It's one I won't make again." Elijah walked past Elena, leaving her bewildered by his last words.

Annmarie knew of Katherine. She knew he'd cared for her those centuries ago. However, those last words of his struck through her like a knife being stabbed through her heart. Did this mean Elijah thought he had made a mistake with her this whole time? That the bond they'd grown to share was nothing out of the ordinary for him? Annmarie was in two minds of what to think. Quickly and most certainly quietly, she'd crept back to her room before Elijah or Elena had spotted her.

Naturally, Annmarie fled out of her flashback. That had been the final time she'd seen Elijah, and it hadn't been the best way of departure. His words still echoed in her mind, causing her chest to ache ever time she repeated them in her head.

All this time, Annmarie couldn't understand where Elijah had gotten to. The first few days that had past without him around were normal; it had been 'business'. Annmarie had grown accustomed to that. He'd always come back to the house, informing her of his latest discoveries of Klaus' whereabouts. However, when days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months, it caused a stir in Annmarie's daily routine. To say she was worried would be an understatement.

She took a last glance in the mirror before she finally stood, grabbing her shoulder bag that had been tangled on the bedpost. She threw in over her head, letting it relax upon her shoulder. She then seized the duffle bag of clothing she'd packed and headed out the house. Annmarie ultimately decided that it was time to take action. She needed to find him; otherwise it'd be the death of her.

The drive to Mystic Falls had felt like an eternity though she'd finally made it to her destination. Elena's house. Annmarie put her car into park mode. She had a red Convertible Pontiac G6, which she'd been saving up her entire teenage years for. It wasn't in the best condition, but it got her around. Silently, she sat there staring up at the house. Was this really a good idea? Annmarie knew she had to. Elena was the last to be seen with Elijah, and she needed to find him.

Annmarie opened the car door, slamming it shut. She inhaled and exhaled deeply before finally gaining the courage to walk up to the front door. She raised her hand to knock, but heard a loud 'Ah! What are you doing? Get out!' coming from the window above. Annmarie looked up, idly before actually knocking on the door.

It took a few minutes of waiting before someone finally answered. She found herself face to face with a man. Annmarie scanned him, guessing he was in his early twenties. Tall, dark and handsome would be an understatement in the looks department. His deep blue eyes penetrated her chocolate orbs as she was about to speak.

"What do you want, Katherine?" He'd asked before Annmarie had gotten the chance to utter a word.

"Katherine? No, my name is Annmarie," She replied. Visitors Elijah often had at his house mistook Annmarie for Katherine, though she never really understood how. Through Elijah's own words, Katherine seemed far more glamorous than she was. "I'm looking for Elena."

His eyebrows rose, confused by her statement. He soon focused on her scent, realizing it wasn't the same scent he'd known since 1864. This girl stood before him was human. "Elena," The man called out. "I think you should come down here."

"I'll be down in a second, Damon," Another voice called. It echoed Annmarie's voice exactly.

"Damon," Annmarie mumbled to herself. She'd heard of him from Elijah.

Moments later, Elena descended down the stairs. She wore a pretty button-up red top with a light blue denim skirt. Her long, straight hair cascaded down her back and over her shoulders. Unlike Annmarie, she seemingly put effort in her appearance.

As her view came upon Annmarie, she stood on the last few steps, crossing her arms. "What do you want, Katherine?" Elena repeated Damon's exact words.

"Guess again," Damon interrupted, in his usual mocking tone.

"What do you mean?" Elena asked. She sounded tired, but it had only just turned 6.30am.

"She claims to be called," Damon paused, waving his hand at Annmarie and signalling for her to cut in.

"Annmarie! I'm called Annmarie," She added in annoyance. Was there really any point in that? He could have just said her name. It wasn't that tricky to remember.

Damon's egotistic smirk rose upon sensing Annmarie's aggravation towards him already.

"But please, call me Annie," Annmarie spoke softly again, more towards Elena though.

"Wait, what?" Elena uttered, suddenly seeming more aware of the scene.

"And she's human," Damon mouthed at Elena.

"But how?" Elena asked, her vision shooting back in the direction of Annmarie.

"Look, it's been a long day yet it's still early. Can I please just come in and I'll explain everything?" Annmarie didn't mean to sound so temperamental. She'd known she'd had a twin for a relatively long time, so she'd had plenty of time to register the thought. Elena, on the other hand, was obviously still letting it sink in.

Elena descended the remainder of the stairs and walked over to the front door, replacing Damon's position. "Please do," Elena spoke softly, offering her opposite a warm smile as she granted Annmarie entry into her home.

With a cup of coffee in hand, Annmarie felt a lot better having a hot drink after having gotten no sleep what-so-ever the night before. Currently, Annmarie sat in a chair while Damon and Elena sat to her right on the couch.

"So, what you're saying is while I've been in Mystic Falls, you've been in New Orleans?" Elena's voice was one of surprise. She'd never have guessed she had a twin sister all this time.

Annmarie nodded, taking loud slurps from her coffee.

"What are your family like?" Elena asked. She had so many questions after such a remarkable discovery.

However, Annmarie froze, slowing lowering the coffee cup from her mouth and placing it on the table in front of her. Family was a sore subject for her. She'd never settled down in one place before. "I wouldn't know," She answered her sister honestly.

"You don't have family?" Elena was stunned. Despite the loss she'd been through, she still had Jeremy and she couldn't imagine life without him.

Annmarie shook her head. "In fact, I've lost count of the number of foster homes I've been in," She stifled a laugh, trying to make the subject less uncomfortable.

Elena smiled at Annmarie; one that could light an entire room. Although they'd only known each other for about fifteen minutes, they were already connecting. Elena sensed Annmarie was uncomfortable with the subject of family, though now Annmarie was here Elena wasn't about to let her escape. Family didn't do that. "You're welcome to stay with us," Elena offered, kindness lacing her words.

"Thanks for the offer, Elena, but I do have my own place back in New Orleans." Annmarie had basically raised herself. As soon as she'd turned seventeen, she'd gotten herself a small studio apartment. The rent was affordable for her.

"You must have come far if you're from Crescent City," Damon interrupted. His tone suggested he didn't trust Annmarie.

"Actually, not too far."

Elena and Damon both looked puzzled.

"That is actually why I came here. I need your help."

The quizzical look on the other's faces deepened.

"Need our help?" Damon questioned. His tone had changed from distrustful to downright sarcastic. Annmarie didn't respect it.

Elena threw a look in Damon's direction, as if to say shut up! before turning her attention back on her twin sister. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"I'm looking for Elijah." Annmarie didn't bother to beat around the bush, she simply spat it out.

"Elijah?" Damon interrupted before Elena had chance to voice an answer.

"Wait, how do you know Elijah?" Elena asked, ignoring Damon and his rudeness.

"It's a long story," Annmarie sighed.

"Well make it short because we don't have all day," Damon remarked, snidely.

"Shut up, Damon," Elena demanded. Damon simply shook his head in amusement. "Go on," Elena smiled at her sister.

"I was kidnapped by these people who took me to Elijah. They thought I was you, Elena," Annmarie explained as shortly as possible, for Damon's sake.

"So you know about the curse and what went down?" Damon intervened.

"What went down?" Annmarie asked.

"So you don't know about the curse and what went down?" Damon repeated in the most taunting of mannerisms.

"I know about the goddamn curse!" Annmarie exclaimed. Damon was really starting to get on her nerves, and she'd only known him for a short while! "But what went down?" She was on the edge of her seat. Her curiosity needed feeding immediately.

"Alright, alright," Damon said, though that signature smirk hadn't left his face. "The curse is broken. Klaus is a hybrid. That's where you'll find Elijah."

"The curse was broken?" Annmarie questioned. She could have sworn she felt her blood suddenly run cold.

"Well done," Damon replied, purely sarcastically.

"Wait, wait. Backtrack," Elena intermitted, wrapping her head around everything that had just come out. How did Annmarie know of Klaus and the curse? And why was she looking for Elijah? A million questions surrounded Elena's mind that she didn't know which to ask first.

"Sorry Elena," Annmarie spoke softly to her, seeing that she was extremely confused. "Listen, I'm just looking for Elijah. I saw you at his house a few months ago, and that's the last I've seen of him."

"If I wasn't mistaken, you almost seem worried about him," Damon teased. Annmarie shot a glare in his direction.

"Damon, shut up!" Elena repeated. Although so many questions were still left unanswered, there was little time left. They were supposed to be on the road to Chicago by now.

A sheer silence fell over the room. All three were about to say something, but Annmarie managed to speak first. "So wherever Klaus is, that's where I'll find Elijah?"

"Yes," Damon answered her.

"But we're not entirely sure," Elena added in. Damon rolled his eyes, but Elena ignored him. "The last time Elijah was seen was when he escaped with Klaus after the sacrifice," she explained.

Annmarie's expression twisted. She was confused. Surely Elijah hadn't betrayed her? Not after everything he'd said about protecting her and Elena. "I just don't understand. Why didn't he kill Klaus? He gave me his word." Annmarie didn't know what else to say. She was speechless by his betrayal.

"It's what I kept saying all along, no original is to be trusted," Damon answered her sneeringly.

"Damon!" Elena warned him. Her expression softened as she watched Annmarie. You could tell she'd been betrayed, but in a way more than the others had. Elena didn't understand in what way, but she wouldn't question her at that specific moment. "Bonnie said that Klaus had promised to reunite Elijah with his family," Elena added, hoping in someway that it would make the situation better. However, Annmarie's face never shifted.

Abruptly, Annmarie stood up, her posture uneasy. "I need to find Klaus. Wherever he is, that's where I'll find Elijah." Despite the betrayal, she still needed to find him. Questions had turned to demands. She became eager for an explanation. Not from Elena, but from Elijah himself.

"You can't go on your own, it's too dangerous. Come with us," Elena offered, her voice gentle as she rose to her feet also.

"With you? Where are you going?" Annmarie asked, puzzled.

"We're going on a little road trip to Chicago," Damon smirked as he stood up after Elena.

"Chicago?"

"Yep. That's where you'll find wolf boy and lover boy," Damon added.

Did he really just compare Klaus and Elijah to those? "Right." Annmarie frowned at Damon, ignoring his 'lover boy' comment and turning to the more sensible person. "But why are you going?" She asked Elena.

"Klaus has got Stefan," Elena answered. Her eyes sparked with sadness though her tone showed determination.

"Like a dog on a leash," Damon commented, inappropriately from Annmarie's point of view.

Elena, as usual, ignored Damon and simply said; "We're going to get him back."

Damon rolled his eyes. He'd never say it out loud, but he was tired of Elena pining over Stefan all the time, even when the younger Salvatore wasn't around. Jealousy. "Let's just get this show on the road," Damon said, walking past the two and heading out to his car.

Annmarie watched him stride off through the front window.

"So, are you coming?" Elena asked her, hopefully.

"What have I got to loose?" Annmarie smiled briefly, the two sharing a hug before they followed Damon out to his car. Once the trunk was packed, Damon started the engine and Chicago was waiting.

A/N: Well that's the first chapter of my first Vampire Diaries story ever. I'm so proud! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I hope it's not too confusing. If you didn't notice, it currently follows 3x03, though her flashback follows 2x19. Please review! Please, please, please! Thanks so much, the support will be much appreciated!