A/N: I'm sorry for the super long chapter, but it holds a lot of information about some of Mia's past. It was a decision I made to add background in this chapter because I tried to build her character more in this chapter along with setting the scene for the story. It will follow the show, but there will be a lot of differences, and I'm actually considering adding an entirely new plot at one point which I've kind of foreshadowed in this chapter. Katherine is mentioned A LOT throughout this chapter and I chose to do that because in the show it seemed like you heard about Katherine so much before she was properly introduced in the story.

The Stars Connect Us

Chapter 2: If History Is Anything to Go by...

Mia Pov:

"You make me gloooow! But I cover up won't let it shoooow! So—"

"Hey Lena, how are you?" I mentally curse myself for saying her name. Why didn't I turn the ringer off?

I hear Lexi chuckle from the other room, and I growl a bit.

"I'm fine, Lena. Lexi's just teasing me about something. Stefan filled me in on the tomb vampires…I asked him if he wanted me to come back early."

"Isobel? You never told me she came back." Why are you always into something, Isobel? Do I once again have to keep you under control?!

"She almost what?! Are you sure Stefan and Dam-Twit have this under control?"

"Founders parade…that's today, right?"

"I hope you have a good time, Lena. Call me when you get there okay?"

"Okay…I miss you…I hope I can come back soon. We still have a lot to do when I come back." I chuckle into the phone. I decided I want to surprise her when I come back, so I didn't tell her that I will be home later today.

"Of course. Alright, Lena. I'll talk to you later tonight…don't forget to call when you get to the parade!"

"See you, soon…" I tap the end button.

I smile lovingly to myself for a second while absentmindedly staring at my phone.

"Sooo, when are you gonna tell her you like her?" Lexi stands in the doorway smirking.

I sigh, "I have no idea what you are talking about, Lexi…"

"Oh please. Your ringtone for her says it all. Not to mention how soft your voice was when you talked to her. You're falling for her, aren't you?"

I scoff, "First off that's my ringtone for everyone and—"

"Negative. It's not your ringtone for anyone else. Trust me, I've noticed. Just like I noticed that she likes you back…" Lexi says wiggling her eyebrows, suggestively.

"Nuh uh. Elena is with Stefan. Remember Lexi, I want no repeats of 1864." I say wiggling my index finger in a scolding manner.

"But it really wouldn't be a repeat if she chooses you. I know you can tell, she's nothing like that manipulative bitch, Katherine Pierce. She'll do the right thing."

"I can't Lexi. We're friends." I say slowly getting overwhelmed.

"And I know the only reason why you and Elena are acting out this friendship façade is because it adds boundaries to your relationship," Lexi replies smugly. "You both are afraid of what would happen if you weren't. You two needed the boundaries. It makes it easier to be friends and not break the "friendship rule."

I roll my eyes and let out a loud sigh as I lay my head back on my pillow.

"You know Lexi; I won't try to be in a relationship with her anyway."

Now it's Lexi turn to sigh, "Seriously Mia? Why not?"

"Besides the fact that you are basically trying to get my brother to hate me, I just don't think it would be good for me."

"Okay, you left out the important part. Why? I mean, Stefan would be pissed for sure, but if she chooses you he'd respect her decision."

I roll my eyes again. This conversation is really beginning to bore me.

"Can we talk about this later? I just want to rest a little. Besides, we'll have plenty of time to talk on our way back to Mystic Falls today. I didn't tell her that I'll be back tonight, but Stefan knows…" I fake a yawn after I finish talking, hoping to sell the tired act.

"Sure. But we will talk about this later, no excuses!"

"Yeah, I know Lexi." I sigh as I cover my face with my pillow.

Lexi scoffs and slams the door after muttering something along the lines of "You're impossible…"

I remember my time with my brothers and Katherine in 1864 at lot more clearly now that I'm basically best friends with her living breathing Doppelgänger, Elena Gilbert. Day after day—for 145 years I have pushed whatever memories I have of that time with Katherine far back. I never wanted to remember. But when I see Elena…I see Katherine.

Elena and Katherine are nowhere near being alike personality wise. But I remember how different Katherine looked when we were together. Her eyes were softer and her facial expressions looked…kinder. When I see Elena, I remember that Katherine. The one I fell in love with...

Flashback:

It's an early afternoon on a hot summer day. The birds are chirping in the distance, a gentle breeze making the leaves move slightly with the wind. I'm standing by the stable, running my hand over the beautiful black horse my Pa got for me a few days back. I smile absentmindedly to myself as I relive my birthday again in my head. Damon is away for the war, so it's just been Pa, Stefan, and I at the house for a few weeks. About 3 weeks ago, we were granted with the company of Katherine Pierce whose family died in a fire in a different state. Pa was generous enough to allow her to stay with us.

Ever since I laid eyes on her, I felt a small tug pulling me to her. I was drawn to her beauty. It's wrong, I know, to think of her in such a way…if Pa knew he would be furious. His beautiful darling daughter, smitten with a woman…

It's something I've kept to myself. Not even my friend Isabelle knows. Up until my birthday, We've never spoken more than 3 words to each other. We hadn't even been in the same room long enough to properly introduce ourselves.

The morning of my birthday I was down in the main room playing a song on the grand piano that I wrote some months back. I've always loved music. My Pa made me practice when I was about 5 years old, all day throughout the summer. Eventually I learned to master playing the violin as well, when I was 9 years old. By the time I was 13 years old, I began composing my own music. Pa was astonished. He said I surpassed my mom. I have no memory of her, well I do, but it's so distorted it's hard to tell if it's actually real. Mom died after Stefan was born. I vaguely remember Pa sending her to another place until she got better so she wouldn't get us sick. But she never came back…

For years I would tell myself, when she gets better she'll be so proud of my skills, and that I was so much like her. We could even make music together; A duet.

Sooner or later, I grew out of my naive mindset and realized that she probably died. But I still practiced every morning and night because my inspiration always seemed to spark around then. It was during that time when I began to fall head over heels with our guest, Miss Pierce.

My fingers flow over the piano keys gracefully. My eyes closed softly as I let myself feel the music. This song is called "Calm in the Winter." It's played slowly and softly. The notes are smooth and delicate, just like the fresh snow in the winter.

As I finish the song, the last note hangs in the air before slowly fading away into the silent morning air.

"That was…truly beautiful. How did you learn to play like that?" I hear a female voice from behind me. My eyes snap open at the sound of her voice.

"I'm sorry, Miss Pierce. I didn't mean to wake you." I say as I turn to face her.

She waves her hand dismissively, "It's not a problem, Mia. I was awake already doing some early reading. But I would never mind being awakened by such beautiful music. You have talent, Mia. Is that your only hobby?"

Katherine actually likes my music! Today is the best day of my life! The one I've silently admired for so long acknowledged my skills…

"Thank you. I...uh, my Papa taught me the basics as a child. I learned to read sheet music, then eventually stated composing my own songs. I can draw and paint very well too. I can show you one day, if you'd like..." I grin sheepishly.

Katherine smiles softly at me. Her beautiful features look even better when she smiles. Her face brightens up in a way I've seen on her before.

"Well I think that's a wonderful idea, Mia. Was that your song that you were just playing?"

I blush brightly as I avert my eyes from hers, "Yes. I wrote it some months back. Our family went to visit some relatives in New York for holiday's. It was the first time I'd ever seen snow! It was very fascinating…" I ramble on, unaware of the smile that forms on Katherine's lips.

"The first snow is always the best. You want to play a song together?" She asks and begins to walk over to me. I freeze up for a second, but enough time for Katherine to notice, "Just relax Mia-blue blue." She chuckles. She has the most wonderful chuckle… I mentally slap myself for thinking that way.

My heart skips a beat as I realize the new nickname that she gave me. Katherine chuckles again at my shock.

"Mia-blue blue? Where did that come from, Miss Pierce?"

"Your eyes, silly. Your eyes are so blue." I sit there frozen earning a girlish giggle from Katherine.

"So let's begin then, shall we?" Katherine says positioning herself next to me on the piano bench. I'm not sure if I trust myself to be this close to her, but God knows I want to be closer…

"You know how to play, then?" I ask trying to keep my mind busy.

She chuckles, "You tell me…"

Turns out she did know how to play. Like she's had centuries to practice. I never expected her to be able to play that well…she's amazing!

Katherine and I became closer since my birthday. Sometimes I wonder if she knows I like her. She seems like she does, she always has this look in her eye and this knowing smile. It's like she knows exactly how I feel. Recently, every time she talks I found myself staring at her lips lost in thought about how soft they look, or how wonderful it would feel to kiss her. It's been getting to the point where I want to tell her…I've been contemplating when would be the best time to tell her…

"Mia! Wake up! Get ready! Have you seriously been sleeping this whole time?!" A voice yells snapping me out of my memory. I groan as I roll over. I didn't even notice I fell asleep.

"Is it really necessary to scream? What time is it, Lexi?" I snap. I hate loud noises when I first wake up.

I hear her huff, "It's currently 1:25 p.m. We have to—"

"I've literally been asleep for an hour and you're acting like it's been a whole day!" I say a bit louder than I would've liked.

"Yes, well. We don't have all day. The sooner you get ready, the sooner we'll be in Mystic Falls and back to you precious Elena." Lexi teases. Will she ever let that go?

"Yes, but there is a huge chunk of my history going on in Mystic Falls at the moment…" I mumble.

"It's just the founders parade, Mia. Nothing that hasn't been done for years now."

"Because I'm not talking about that stupid parade. I'm talking about Isobel!" I blurt out. Immediately, I realize my mistake. Shit. Now I have to explain.

"Isobel…who?" The confusion is evident on Lexi's face.

I silently curse myself.

"Isobel Flemming, or whatever. Flemming was her maiden name. She was married, we messed around basically through her whole marriage."

I see the disbelief on Lexi's face. "Really, Mia?" She scoffs.

I shrug my shoulders, "What? He wanted a boring cliché marriage, she wanted excitement. She initiated it. I just didn't turn her down." I reply nonchalantly.

"She was still married, but whatever. It obviously didn't bother you two, so…what's the point of telling me this? It's in the past, right?"

"It is. After Damon turned her, I was so furious with her for seeking him out that I told her to fuck off. She caused some disturbance a little outside of Milwaukee a few months after. I caught up to her, and told her to stop throwing a tantrum." I pause. My mind is deep in thought as I remember something that a friend told me he noticed about the way she responded to me. I never confirmed it, but I will when I see her in Mystic Falls. Damon killed her, but it was my blood that turned her. That I know for a fact...

"And…?" Lexi says drawing the word out signifying for me to get to the point.

"And nothing. She stopped." I shrug.

Lexi raises her eyebrow, "Just like that? She hadn't done it again since?" She says in disbelief.

"Nope." I answer popping my lips at the "p"

"So what's the problem? She listened. That's a good thing, Mia."

"Yeah. Then I recently found out she is Elena's biological mother, and her husband who believed she was dead is now Elena's history teacher." I chose to keep my suspicions about why Isobel listened to me without a second thought, to myself.

Lexi's face is in pure shock. She's standing there frozen. Her eyes the size of golf balls and her jaw is practically hanging to the ground.

"Jesus, Mia. Maybe going back there isn't a good idea…there's too much history for you right now." I shake my head dismissively.

"No. I'm going back. I've kept Lena alone with my idiot brothers for too long."

Lexi throws her hands up, "Fine, but right now you're on probation. I will be in a nearby town for a few months, and the second I catch a whiff of you going on a bloodlust rampage, I will hunt you down and we will do this all over again." She warns me. I shiver at the look she's giving me.

"I'll be fine…I won't do that…" I try to sound convincing. But deep down I know that I'm a blink away from snapping again. If anyone harms a hair on Elena's head, I'll fucking snap. I can't tell Lexi that though. She'll never let me go back if I do.

"You better not. Hurry up so we can hit the road, kiddo." I wince at her old nickname for me.

"I'm not a kid…" I muttered earning a laugh from Lexi.

"You're a kid to me…I've got a whole century on you, Mia."

"Yeah yeah." I stand up and begin packing my things.

Lexi and I have been driving for about 20 minutes before my phone buzzes in my pocket. I quickly pull it out hoping its Elena. I sigh and roll my eyes when I see it's just my little brother, dimwit Damon.

Lexi takes her eyes off the road to look at me, "What is it?" She asks curiously.

"Just a text from Damon. I was hoping it was Elena, though."

After Lexi turns her attention back to the road, I decide to see what Damon wanted.

My eyes widen and my body freezes like water in the winter. It's not a text, it's a picture. My left hand grips my thigh through my jeans. There. Smiling beautifully next to Stefan, is Elena. She's dressed as a southern belle from the 19th century. Immediately, I am taken aback by how much she resembles Katherine. Especially dressed in the same type of clothing we all last saw her wearing back in 1864.

My throat burns suddenly with the need to feed and I realize why that is…seeing Elena wearing 21st century clothing was easier than seeing her in clothes from 1864. I need to feed…my throat is practically on fire.

"Hey Lexi…can we stop at this gas station? I'm a little bit hungry." I say hoarsely.

Lexi looks at me quickly and nods her head. I hear the sound of the turn signal as Lexi looks over her shoulder before jumping into the next lane. Once we pull into the gas station, I notice there's two guys hanging around back. Easy food…I smirk.

I take off my seatbelt and open the door, I have one leg out he car before stopping to look at Lexi, "You aren't coming?" I ask curiously. She nods, but says wants to get gas first.

"Try to save some for me. Remember what you learned to do to stop, okay?" Lexi says before we separate.

"I will."

The corner of my mouth turns upward in a seductive smirk as I see the two guys staring at me hungrily. Oh men…

I wink at one of them and begin to walk over to them, nice and slow, giving them a good look at me.

"Well, hello there, boys."

Stefan POV:

"What you did was wrong, Damon. Sending Mia that picture…you know Katherine is still a trigger for her. And yet, being as selfish as you are, sent her a picture of Elena looking exactly like Katherine. What kind of brother are you?" I practically yell at Damon who just sits there nonchalantly reading a book with a glass of bourbon in his empty hand.

"She'll be fine, brother. No need to add another frown line to that already crowded forehead of yours." I feel my eyebrows twitch at his words. How can he be so carefree about this?

"How can you say that?" I ask, my voice heavy with emotion. This is our sister we're talking about! How can he do this?

"Because, you both lied to me! I have every right to do what I'm doing!" Damon slams his book shut and looks at me with such anger, I realize he's serious about this.

"What are you even talking about? Are you delusional…" Suddenly, my back hits a nearby wall. Damon has his hand around my throat, baring his fangs.

"Delusional, huh? The whole time when Katherine was staying there, I thought she was spending most of her time with you!" Damon spat. "And you never denied it! When Katherine told me that you weren't the one who currently held her heart, I was the happiest man alive! You knew it too! You knew how happy that made me, but you didn't tell me that our darling older sister also caught Katherine's eye…that she was the one stealing all of Katherine's time." My eyes fall. He's right…

"It wasn't like that. You and I both know how you were about Katherine back then! We weren't sure if we could trust you! If anyone found out about them—!" Damon cuts me off by pushing me further into the wall.

"Don't give me that shit! You all made me look like a fool! It was like an inside joke to you three. Everyone laugh at Damon because he thinks Katherine is in love with him! I know you loved Katherine, and believe it or not, she loved you too. But even you were nothing compared to Mia…" I see the sadness in his eyes. My heart aches for my brother, for the pain I've caused him…

"None of that matters, Damon…If I could take it all back, I would. But the truth is Katherine never loved any of us. She was a selfish, manipulative bitch. She didn't love me, you, or even Mia. It was a game to her. I understand why your anger is directed towards us, but none of that matters now because neither of us got the girl." I try to reason with him.

"Oh, but that's the thing, dear brother! After I found out Katherine wasn't in the tomb, I went to kill Pearl. I wanted to take her away from Anna because she got the person she wanted most out of the tomb. Anna knew she wasn't in the tomb to begin with, but she wanted to get her mother out. She told me that she saw Katherine during the 1980's in Chicago, of all places," He lets out a soft chuckle before his face turns serious again, "Funny thing is, I was in Chicago all the way until '92. We were there during the same time. But that's not the best part, Stefan!" Damon says. His voice drips with sarcasm. Sarcasm laced with pain. "She knew I was there! She knew exactly where I was, according to Anna…but she didn't care! It was only Mia…you and Mia, actually. But everyone could see how much they adored each other…if only they knew how much…" I bite the inside of my jaw.

"Damon…" I start but Damon releases me from the wall.

"Don't. Just don't. You wanted to know why I hate you both so much now? It's because I never get the girl. Mia held Katherine's heart…you did too by some degree, and even now, you hold Elena's heart, and so does Mia. I know she has a crush on her at the very least. What is it that you two have that I don't?"

I feel a pang of jealousy erupt my body…Elena and Mia? I don't think I can do this again…My anger fades and my eyes soften as I stare at my older brother. He's truly hurting, and I helped cause him this pain.

"I'm—"

"I'm back my annoying little brothers!" I hear a voice call from the doorway. Mia…

Oh great…not when Damon's in one of his moods…

I hear a deep growl rumble from Damon's chest…

Here we go…

Mia Pov:

I walk in with a smile on my face. My heart beating rapidly because I'm finally home for the first time in a month. I hum a song, as I walk happily into the living room.

"Shalom little brothers. Miss me?" I ask in a cheerful voice.

I notice the tension in the room. Stefan's forehead has about ten new frown lines, Damon is sending me death glares…umm did I do something that I forgot about…?

"Okay, I'm sorry. Maybe I should've stayed with Lexi?" I mumble turning away from my brothers who are being too rude for my taste.

"Yes, you should have! I meant what I said before you left with Lexi! I wish you would've never come back here! Seeing your face just reminds me of how much I hate you and Stefan!" My heart sinks in my chest…hate? I could never truly hate either of them.

"Damon—!" Stefan tries to interject but Damon cuts him off.

"Don't Damon me! She wouldn't even be here if it weren't for the tomb! Now she's only staying for Elena! I've made partial peace with you, Stefan, but now I'm starting to rethink that too!" Damon's eyes burn into mine, and I feel my face harden. I know my anger gets out of control…it's something I even struggled with when I was human, but it got much worse after I turned. My fists claw at my sides. I can feel the veins forming around my eyes as they darken from their natural color.

"Control your temper, Mia. Maybe you need to-" Stefan begins but is once cut off my rude, jerk of a brother, Damon.

"Oh please! Mia can never control her temper. She'd much rather tear her way through an orphanage! Especially when it came down to our dear love, Katherine…and now Elena." Damon sneers at me.

I mentally cringe at the memory.

My anger is getting more out of control, and despite my attempts to control myself, I realize now that I'm already too worked up.

I start yelling at him, spilling everything that I've kept from him…

"Katherine never loved you! If she was ever honest about anything back then, it was the fact that she told me she wasn't in love with you!" I scream at him. My rage quickly turning to pity, "She only wanted to turn me and Stefan…but I begged her not to turn Stefan because of how pure he was…that it would ruin him…I guess she just couldn't help herself." My voice got softer towards the end…I never wanted this for them. Ever.

They both stare at me in shock, "What? I bet you both assumed I hated Katherine because she messed around with you two? The fact that she without a doubt felt something for Stefan? No. I hate her because she ruined you two…my little brothers. I'll be at the parade tonight…just to make sure nothing goes wrong and to be sure that you both along with Elena are safe."

I flash out of the house before they can say anything. I really would just rather I go and surprise Elena, but I know I want to wait until tonight.

I'm sitting in my car, deep in thought when my phone buzzes in the seat next to me.

'Mia, it's me, Isobel. We need to talk, I'm sure you know how to find me. See ya soon. :)'

I frown at the message. What the hell could Isobel possibly want? I haven't seen her since…shit. I can't even remember how long ago. Is it a bad thing that I know exactly how to find her? The most expensive house near mystic falls…

(X)

I pull up and park my mustang in front of a beautiful large house that looks like it could cost millions. I use my speed to dash to the front door and knock twice. I know Isobel wouldn't be stupid enough to try something on me. Not with my rage…

Not even a second later, Isobel opens the door grinning ear to ear. Her eyes bore into mine as she steps aside for me to come in.

"Bonjour mon amour…" Isobel's silky voice rings out around the marble floors.

"ça fait longtemps…" I reply in fluent French. Taking in Isobel's appearance, I note how beautiful she is. I mean, she's always been beautiful. Why do you think I was with her in the first place? I might not have any romantic feelings towards her anymore, but I will never deny her beauty.

"Mia Salvatore, just as beautiful as the last time we saw each other…" she says in a husky voice. Her eyes are dark, and full of lust. Typical Isobel…even as a vampire she has the libido of a teenage boy. I smirk.

"Aren't you being too kind?" I chuckle sarcastically. Isobel sticks her tongue out at me.

"Not at all. I was simply admiring true beauty."

I sigh. As much as I would love to play catch up with her, my first instinct is to protect Elena and my brothers. I may not be interested in Isobel anymore, but I still care about her.

"Isobel…why are you here?" I ask her softly.

"I wanted to see my daughter. You've met Elena, haven't you?" Isobel says leading me into her marvelous living room. She flops down on a couch and I take a seat across from her.

"Yes. We've had the pleasure of meeting. She's dating my younger brother, Stefan."

"Ah yes, Stefan. I wonder why she didn't choose Damon." She replied.

"Just because you would doesn't mean Elena is the same, now does it?" I chuckle softly thinking about how much Damon annoys Elena.

"No, you're right, it doesn't. Although, I'm sure she'd love to be with you." Isobel says winking.

I just sit there. I study her face for what seemed like hours.

"Elena loves Stefan, Isobel." I say sternly.

"But you like her, don't you? It was written all over your face when I first mentioned her name. You want my daughter, don't you, Mia?" I refuse to answer her. I'm not going to give her the satisfaction of knowing how I feel about Elena.

Suddenly, Isobel is in front of me. She's looking down at me with darkened eyes full of…hunger?

"Is it hard to be near her while thinking about how you'd make her scream? Hmm? Does it ever drive you insane wondering what she sounds like moaning your name?" I shift uncomfortably as the much deprived spot between my legs goes into overdrive.

"She may be with Stefan now, but you and every girl you've ever fucked knows you're so much better than both of them put together."

Okay, now I'm really…damn me for not having time to get a nice fuck these past couple of months. It's just been so hard when I keep thinking about Elena.

"Fuck it…" I mumble more to myself than to Isobel.

I look up at Isobel with lust in my eyes. I tap my thigh, "Hop on me."

Isobel wastes no time in straddling me and kissing me with so much want, that I moan loudly a second after her lips met mine.

(X)

"Okay, either this is just so much better as a vampire, or you were holding back on me then…" Isobel breathes after we both come down from our high. I smirk as I kiss my way up her body.

"Of course I was! You could barely handle the orgasms I gave you then, imagine if your orgasms were this strong every time we had sex when you were human…" I chuckle. Isobel pouts, "I was so weak…I thought you rocked my world then, if only I'd known just how aggressive you really are during sex, I would've hunted you down a few years ago." I chuckle at her pout and place a quick kiss on her pouty lips.

"I was too mad at you then…" I say as I place a kiss on her neck.

"And you would've taken your anger out as you fucked me." She says.

I laugh at that, "You're probably right…come on though. I wanted to talk to you. And not while we're naked, Isobel. It's too…distracting." I say as I fiddle one of her breasts in my hand.

After we both were dressed, and our makeup and hair fixed, we made our way down to the living room where one of the little humans Isobel compelled poured us bourbon.

"You mentioned that we needed to talk…" Isobel begins as she sips her glass.

I realize now would be the time to put my theory to the test…

"I talked to Elena everyday while I was…away with a friend named Lexi. She told me how you hurt her friend Matt and captured Jeremy to get some…device or whatever. What kind of mother does that?!" I scream. I probably sound more upset than I actually am.

"I needed it…" she says.

I scoff, "Of course you did, Isobel…They said you left town, but I guess you didn't. I only came back for Elena—"

"Oh yes, let's talk about my darling daughter whom you love so much. I mean, I guess I can't blame you since she looks exactly like Katherine. Imagine how pissed she'll be to hear that you've found someone else to love." I flash over to her. I have her pinned to the wall before she can even process what's happening.

"Wow…you are fast, aren't you?" She smirks at me.

I growl, "How the hell do you know Katherine?!"

She looks back at me with amusement in her eyes, "I didn't at first. In that room you always kept locked in your house, well one day you forgot to lock it. Curiosity killed the cat, and I was amazed with all those beautiful paintings and drawings you did, but one in particular caught my eye…" She replies. I bite down on my teeth when the realization hits. She saw my painting of Katherine.

"You saw Katherine and thought it was Elena, didn't you?" I ask her. She nods.

"For a second I thought it was Elena, but the woman was older looking than Elena was then, and then I saw the date you signed on the bottom corner. You painted that in 1995. Elena was only 3 years old then…"

I decide that she's telling the truth so I let go of her neck.

"I'll accept that answer, but you've met Katherine for sure. So tell me where she is, Isobel." I say dangerously.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I've never actually met her, Mia." I stare directly into Isobel's eyes. She's lying…

Usually I would have probably threatened her to tell me, or yelled and thrown her across the room a few times until she told me. But then I remembered something else…

"I know you're lying, Isobel. And you know I hate it when you lie to me. Now please…if you know where Katherine is, tell me…please." I practically plead with her.

Isobel's eyes look conflicted. Almost as if she's trying to fight something off. I can see her at battle with herself for a few more seconds.

"Please, it would mean a lot to me if you told me…"

Suddenly her eyes soften but look as if she wants to cry, "Only for you…" I hear her say softly, "I have met Katherine plenty of times before. But the first time I've met with her was over a year ago. Just the other day we talked over the phone and I told her that you came back to Mystic Falls along with Stefan and Damon. She was surprised and said how much she missed you. Katherine said she was close by, but had no intention on coming back now that word got out that she wasn't in the tomb." Her voice cracked a bit. There…

I try to ignore what she said about Katherine missing me. I just can't afford to think like that. She was probably lying to Isobel anyway because Katherine doesn't care about anyone but herself.

A few years back, I met a vampire in a bar. His name was Mathias. He mentioned a myth about something called a sire bond. Or at least he thought it was a myth until he turned a girl and she would literally do anything to please him. Anything he asked, she'd do for him.

Mathias is now a good friend and he was with me the night I stopped Isobel from tearing apart that small city when she was a just baby vamp, and he told me she was sired to me. I brushed it off by saying Isobel didn't love me enough for that. We had an affair, but it's not like we were going to elope or anything. But now I see he was right, I should call to thank him for the heads up…

Isobel is sired to me…

As much as I want to pry more information from her about Katherine I don't think now is the best time. I'm not mentally stable enough to hear any more about Katherine.

"It's okay, Isobel. I believe you. I do. Thank you for telling me. I really appreciate it, okay? And I'm sorry for yelling at you. I'm not angry with you. I promise." I try my best to ease her feelings. I remember Mathias saying something about how they always want to please their sire. And when they upset their sire, they start to get depressed and hate themselves. Almost instantly, I see the sadness disappear from her face at my words.

"Thank you…" Isobel says softly. A small smile makes its way onto her lips. I nod my head at her thanks.

"Don't mention it." I chuckle.

Isobel laughs, but I can see something else is bothering her.

"Mia?" She asks quietly. If I hadn't been a vampire I'm sure I would not have heard her.

"Hmm?"

"Did you love her?" Isobel averts her eyes as she asks the question as if she's afraid of the answer. But I'm sure the answer is obvious. Even Elena knew…

"Yeah I did." My mind trails off into some memories I had of 1864 when I was absolutely and undeniably in love with Katherine. Sometimes I still feel that tingle in my stomach when I think of those times. I always tell myself I hate her and I'd kill her as soon as I got the chance for what she did to my brothers. But deep down I always question myself. Could I really kill her if it came down to it?

"I can tell you, if you like? The memory of when I first met her." I shake my head and walk over to her. I lean in so that our lips our mere centimeters apart, "Show me." I whispered before I crash my lips to hers…

I see two people—women sitting alone in the corner of a bar. It's nighttime and the bar is fairly noisy, but that made it easier to ensure that people weren't listening in.

As I look closer, I notice that one woman is without a doubt, Isobel.

I try to get a closer look at the other one. The doe brown eyes, the curly long brown hair. The delicate features…the one who looks so…Elena like.

Katherine…

My heart skips a beat. Here, sitting directly in front of me, is Katherine. In all her beauty. My emotions get the better of me because I actually reach out to touch her. It isn't until my hand went right through her as if she were a ghost that I realized what I was doing.

I frown to myself as I snatch my hand away. What the hell was I thinking?

"So, you found Damon, I suppose? I see that you are no longer a human…" Katherine says. It's then I notice the difference between her and Elena's voice. Elena speaks with emotion…as if anything she says comes directly from her heart. Katherine has a flirtatious version. All her words sound husky and seductive, but also well thought and strategic. She chooses her words carefully. Katherine knows how and what to say to make you think exactly the way she wants you to.

I take this time to study Katherine. This is the most recent time I've seen her. A year ago…this was the Katherine Pierce from a year ago. Not from 1864.

Her clothing, make up, and hair style all scream modern day fashion. Although, I did quite enjoy Katherine in 19th century clothing.

I must've zoned out because I notice the conversation has moved along to a different subject entirely.

"When we spoke over the phone, I told you that if you ever found Damon and he turned you that I would meet with you…I also told you that I would pry some information from you. How did you find out about me?" Katherine asks, eyeing Isobel intensely.

"My research at Duke—" Isobel begins but is cut off by Katherine's chuckle.

"No lies, Isobel. I know enough about you to know that you've known about me long before your research at Duke. In fact, I'm willing to bet that's exactly why you started that in the first place, am I right?" The shock on Isobel's face says it all. Katherine saw right through Isobel and for some reason she didn't want to play with Isobel and pretend she doesn't know anything. No…Katherine wants Isobel to know exactly who she really is.

Katherine smirks playfully at Isobel, as she plays with her hair.

"Okay. I was in an affair with a girl for a while through my marriage. I was at her house one day and I saw a painting of you."

I could see that sparked Katherine's interest. Her eyes looked curious and she sat up straighter in anticipation. "Who? What girl?" There's an edge to Katherine's voice. Almost as if she's debating whether or not to buy what Isobel is saying.

"A vampire…I didn't know she was one until about 2 months before I turned. She refused to turn me, so I had to find a way on my own." I can see that Isobel is trying not to spill too much information to Katherine. I can tell that's annoying Katherine more than anything.

"I want a name." She says sighing. Katherine sits back folding her arms in front of her chest and pouts her lips. I chuckle. She looks like a spoiled kid that finally heard the word "no."

"Mia. Mia Salvatore." At the sound of my name Katherine's eyes snapped to meet Isobel's. Her childish demeanor disappeared almost instantly. Not to mention her body had gone stiff.

"So you do know her, yes?" Isobel asked. I roll my eyes. Isobel knows I knew Katherine. She'd done tons of research at this point to even find Katherine. She knew about the battle of willow creek—the night I died. So why is she acting naïve in front of Katherine?

"Of course I do. Just like I know you know exactly how I know her. Here's the thing…I like you Isobel, that's the only reason why I haven't ripped your heart out by now. But I will say if you continue to play this little innocent game with me, I will have no choice but to kill you. Am I clear? If you aren't honest with me for now on I will hunt you down and I will kill you. I've had enough of your lies to last a lifetime. I don't expect any more from you."

Isobel visibly shudders and a smirk of satisfaction forms on Katherine's face.

"Tell me about your time with Mia. How's the vampire life treating her?"

"Depends. She was fine when we were dating. I haven't talked to her since my transformation. She told me to fuck off." Katherine chuckles at Isobel's words.

"That's Mia, all right. She never really did have a filter when she was angry. Not even back then."

Isobel smiles softly to herself before continuing, "Mia loved art. She always talked about her favorite artists and she often complained about how today's art pales in comparison to what it used to be. She is filthy rich too! Before I found out she was a vampire I figured it came from her family, but no. Did you know she actually has her Master of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences degree, a masters in computer science, and in Architecture? She literally went to school and earned her money the hard way…I mean, I never really understood what the big deal was until I became a vampire and I can just compel anything I want or need."

I study Katherine's face once Isobel has finished her sentence. Her expression was hard to read at first, but then I could tell that there was a sense of satisfaction. She was proud of me…

"Well, Mia was always smart. Even then, the thought of being a housewife never sat well with Mia. She always wanted to learn more and more. She was unlike any girl I have ever met…especially back then. Women were to stay in their place. They were expected to be literate, but it wasn't necessary to do anything more than that. Mia wanted to be more. I think that's what first drew me to her…" Katherine trails off, obviously deep in thought.

"I agree with you. She understood that while I love Alaric, I can never be what he wants. I wanted adventure, I wanted to see the world and learn all that I can. I could never settle down, have kids and…become a soccer mom!" Isobel finishes more to herself than to Katherine. She sounds disgusted at the very thought of a soccer mom.

"And here we both are. Vampires who have both given birth to a child when they were human…" Katherine says quietly. I sigh sadly at Katherine's words. She told me before that she had a daughter. She never told me anything else, only that she wasn't allowed to keep her. Maybe Isobel and Katherine have more in common than I originally thought. Isobel, realizing she hit a nerve, decides to move on from the subject.

"So…is Mia the only girl you've ever been with?" Isobel asks carefully. She's trying not to say anything to set Katherine off.

Katherine laughs, "When you've been around as long as I have, the barrier between sexual preference becomes blurred. I've been with plenty of other girls. None were an actual relationship, besides Mia. But most importantly, none had her personality, her mindset…her drive to be the best at everything. No male or female affected me like her." Once Katherine finishes, I release a breath I didn't know I was holding. I search her face for any hint of a lie, but much to my dismay, I found none.

How am I supposed to kill her when I see her if I keep having mixed emotions?

"I honestly believe that Mia doesn't realize the effect she has on people." Isobel says sadly.

"She never did realize the effect she had on people…even me. Did you know that Mia's first reason to become a vampire was because she wanted to have forever to learn anything she wanted? She wanted to excel in everything that interested her, and master the skills she already knew. It had nothing to do with me. Her brothers wanted to turn because of me, but for Mia, her thirst for knowledge always came first. I admired that about her…" Katherine trails off again. She has this faraway look in her eyes as if she's remembering the times we spent together. Her large brown eyes are dreamy and I can tell she's lost in a memory. That's exactly how I get sometimes…boy we had some fun times back then…

Isobel looks down sadly as if hearing Katherine's words hurt her. I can tell that she wasn't prepared for how highly Katherine spoke of me. I guess I can understand that. It's hard to talk about your ex period, but then to talk about all the things you loved about them is even worse. That's why I usually have a hard time talking about Katherine. Elena would ask me some things about our relationship. I realized that the majority of my negative opinions on Katherine happened after I turned. When we were together, I hardly ever had anything negative to say. I mean, everyone has their faults, but to me her faults made me love her more…

"Do you regret it? Leaving back in 1864?" Isobel asks trying to regain the confidence in her voice by clearing her throat.

There was a long pause. Katherine isn't even making eye contact with her. Her expression unreadable.

"Everyday." I have no time to read her facial expression to search for even a hint of a lie. If I was listening to her voice, I'd say no. But this is Katherine Pierce. The master of deception. If history is anything to go by, you can't trust her voice. Her eyes though…her eyes never lie. At least not back then…

The connection is broken when our kiss is interrupted by my loud phone. Our lips pull apart quickly as I rush to the other side of the room to get my phone.

"How did you do that?" Isobel asks. Her mouth is hanging wide open and her eyes are the size of golf balls.

I hold up my finger signifying her to wait as I look at my phone to see who is calling. I'm honestly glad because I don't feel like explaining to her that I seem to be stronger than your average vampire. At first I believed it was because of the way I thought as a human…but recently, I've been wondering if it's something more…

A sigh escapes when I see Damon's name on my caller ID.

Dimwit Damon.

"If you're ready to apologize, I will only accept it once I get a handwritten letter, a new gaming system, and to see you begging on your knees for me to forgive you." I say in a bored tone.

"We'll talk about that once you get here! Which, by the way, better be soon since the tomb vampires plan to attack the founding families when the fireworks start. That's like in less than 30 minutes, Mia! Where the hell are you?!" My eyes go wide. Have I really wasted that much time?

"I'm on my way now." I hit the end button before he could respond.

I open my mouth to explain to Isobel.

"I know, Mia. I am leaving town tonight, so I won't be here by the time the celebration is over. Just…stay safe and please keep my daughter safe. I know you're in love with her, that much a blind man can see." I bite the inside of my jaw. Is it that obvious? I really need to learn to conceal my feelings better.

"I will," I turn to walk out of the door. I pause just before my hand reaches the door handle, "You stay safe out there, Isobel. I would be mad as hell if you died on me. Despite everything that's happened between us, I still care about you…it's just the way I am…" I am gone before she can respond. Once I'm in the car, I speed my way all the way to the town square.

Elena POV:

Stefan is running by my side to find Jeremy. Alaric told us about the tomb vampires already in position to kill the founding families…That includes Jeremy and Me.

As we maneuver our way out of the crowd, I bump into someone.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where—"

"Elena?" The sound of the voice sends shivers of excitement down my spine. I can't help the large goofy grin that forms on my face. My eyes scan over her beautiful face and stop at her electric blue eyes. Aww, her eyes are so blue…

"Mia! You're back! How could you not tell me earlier?!" I squeal excitedly. I practically forgot about finding Jeremy now…

She laughs, "Well, there's no fun in that. I like the surprised reaction I got from you…" Mia says before she sends me her signature smirk. I'm sure my face has gotten at least 10 shades redder.

Mia holds her arms open in front of her signifying a hug. I run into her arms, pulling her close. I've missed her…

Suddenly, Mia's arms loosen around me and I feel her break out of my hold as she tumbles to the ground. My heart is pounding in my chest as I see her holding her head and screaming in pain. I turn beside me to see that Stefan has also collapsed. I drop down to my knees trying to drag both of them out of sight to no avail. Tears are streaming down my face as I try with all my might to carry them away. I'm trying to tell them to hold on to me, but all that comes out is tear filled gibberish.

"Elena!" I turn around to see Alaric sprinting towards me. I sigh in relief…they'll be safe…

Mia POV:

The sound is deafening at first, but somehow it slowly starts to fade. It ends up becoming more of an annoying ringing noise than anything.

The first thing I see is Elena's tear filled eyes looking down at me. I force a small smile on my face for her. "Mia? How…does it not affect you anymore?" I frown slightly when I see Stefan is holding his head in pain. Why don't I feel it anymore?

"We'll have time for that later! We need to find Bonnie. I'm willing to bet my hat this was the device that Bonnie was supposed to de-spell. I saw all of the tomb vampires go down. The device gave them away." Alaric says loudly over the commotion. I just fucked his wife…act normal, Mia. That isn't awkward at all…

I managed to pull Stefan up so that he's leaning on me.

"Elena! What…what's going on? One minute I'm with Anna in the bathroom then she drops to her knees and she's being dragged away from me! They're taking them to our family building! I have no idea why!" Jeremy screams frantically.

"It would seem little Miss Bonnie lied about taking away the devices power." I mutter through clenched teeth.

Elena obviously saw the anger flash in my eyes because reaches out to put a calming hand on my shoulder. I lean into her touch as it instantly soothes me.

"We don't know that for sure. First, we need to find her." Elena says calmly. How she manages to stay calm and collected I will never understand. I can see in her eyes that she's just as scared and worried as we are, but she hides well.

"No, Bonnie should be the last thing on our minds! They've got Damon too! I don't know why…I saw the police dragging them all in! They've got Damon and Anna! We need to worry about them!" My eyes snap to meet his. They've got my little brother…

I clench my fists and bite down hard on my jaw. Bonnie is going to have to answer to me now. She put my little brother in danger, and that is not something I take lightly.

I can practically feel the anger radiating from my body. They've got my brother…

Any rational thinking that I had, is definitely out the window at this point.

"Where the hell did they take them?!" I scream angrily. My pupils dilated and my fangs protrude as my temper shows its ugly head.

"Mia…" Elena tries to reason but I'm too far gone. They have my fucking brother…

I ignore her because I know that I'll accidentally say something that will hurt her…she doesn't understand what's going on…

Stefan is still leaning on me for support. He's getting stronger though. He's trying to follow the conversation with that annoying little ringing noise blaring in his ears. He's looking around at us confused.

"Jeremy, I'm trying to save my brother. Where are they?"

"Mia, what are they planning?" Jeremy screams in frustration. Totally ignoring my question, I see…

Then it hits me, he's feeling exactly how I am, because someone he loves was taken too.

"Isn't it obvious? They're rounding up the vampires. They are trying to do what their ancestors failed at 145 years ago…" My voice sounds almost monotone. This is too much for me to handle. My body is automatically forcing itself to flip the switch. It's a coping mechanism that I unwillingly developed. If my body is under too much stress, or pain, my humanity switch turns itself off to spare me the trauma. That's exactly what's happening now.

Elena must've been able to tell. She always knows…

She reaches out to rest her hand under my chin. She squeezes my jaw slightly to get my attention.

"Hey, we're going to save him, okay? Stay with me…" My eyes widen as I feel an emotional wave erupt through my body.

Stay with me…

Katherine…no! Not Katherine. Elena. This is Elena…

I mentally wrap my head around these 3 words…stay with me…

Katherine said those exact words to me…the night she got taken. Just a couple of seconds before she was ripped out of my arms…

How ironic is fate?

But that's in the past, and this is not Katherine. This is Elena…my Elena.

Even so, my response is exactly the same. Only this time for someone else. Elena…

"Do you hear me? Stay with me." Elena says a little more forceful now.

So after when I'm staring in her eyes for a few seconds I tell her, "I will, Elena. Always." She holds my intense gaze for a few more seconds. I can see so many emotions swirling inside of them. I've always been a sucker for those eyes, even with Katherine.

I wonder if she can see the lovein my eyes...

Can you see how much I love you? Can you see the affect you have on me?

No…you probably can't.

"You good now?" Jeremy's voice breaks through our intense exchange. Elena's eyes snap away and so do mine. We turn away in opposition directions. Her face turns right; I turn my face to the left. Yeah…this isn't awkward at all…

"Whatever. Just lead me to this building! And we've got to hurry! If history is anything to go by then they'll probably set it on fire once all of the known vampires are in!" I scream. I'm not mad, I just need to focus on something other than Elena and her large brown eyes, apparently I have a soft spot for them…

I mentally slap myself at my thoughts.

"Alaric, do you mind holding Stefan? I can move quicker without him. He's getting stronger so you won't have to help him too much." I ask readjusting Stefan's weight on my shoulders. He's heavy…

"Sure. Go on ahead. We'll be there a little after you."

I nod my head, "thank you."

I turn my attention to Jeremy, "I can move a lot quicker than you, so can you just point me in the direction? You can follow behind me…"

"Yeah, it's right on the left side of the town square. You'll know because it…" I don't give him the chance to finish. I'm already gone.

Once I get there I see the vampire hating Bennett witch. It's funny because I actually liked her the first time we met. Now she's dead to me. No one messes with my brothers and gets away with it.

"What the hell, Bonnie!" I scream at her.

"Look, I don't want any trouble! You're safe, Stefan's safe, Elena's happy and the world is a better place because Damon can't terrorize it anymore." I growl at her words.

"You're putting my brother in danger!" All of a sudden, the building starts to catch on fire. My eyes widen in terror. My dead heart sinks. I need to save him…

"I swear if you don't stop this fucking fire, Bonnie, I will kill you once this is over! Don't think that I won't. I'm nice until you mess with my family, Bennett. Then, anyone is fair game, especially you." I say poking her chest with my index finger.

"You say anyone, but I can think of at least one person who counts as an exception to that rule. Elena." She says smugly. I wanted to wipe that smug smile from her face so badly…

"Look, Bennett. Stop meddling in things you don't understand, okay? That's a one-way ticket six feet under…if you catch my drift." I snap back at her.

"Oh please! Elena is my business! Just like it's my business that you're in love with her!" Bonnie says smiling sweetly. Oh fuck this nice shit!

"Listen, bitchy witch, either you help me save my fucking brother or I will torture you so badly you'll think death is a blessing! Now help me get in there!" I growl dangerously. Bonnie needs to back the hell down. I am not in the mood today—or any day for that matter.

"Oh yeah?" That's it. I stomp my way to her and chock her with one hand against a building.

"Yes, really…" I begin, but suddenly I feel slight pain in my head. Not enough to hurt me, but I can still feel it. My eyes flash dangerously as I realize she was trying to use a spell on me.

"You're gonna have to do better than that!" I hiss at her. Her eyes are wide and full of confusion. Oh, was she actually trying? Maybe the Bennett line is losing their touch…

I freeze as my ears pick up sounds coming from the burning building.

Screaming…they're screaming! The vampires from the building are beginning to scream…that means the fire is starting to reach them.

I let go of her.

"Please Bonnie! If not for me then do it for Elena. If Stefan's hurt. She will be too! I just want to save my brother! Can't you understand that?!" I scream in desperation.

Bonnie's eyes close and her hair is moving in the wind. A wind that somehow came out of nowhere. I shrug. It must be a part of the spell…

"Go." Bonnie says looking away from me.

"How can I trust you? I need to know I'm not walking into my death."

"Elena, Stefan, and Alaric are running to us now. I wouldn't dare let Elena see you burn to your death. She cares about you way more than you know. It'll break her if she loses you…"

I nod my head and give her my thanks.

When I get inside of the building, my senses immediately go into overdrive because of the danger. I rush into the basement in a flash. There's smoke everywhere and I pray that Damon hasn't been killed already. I look through the bodies, most of them are still alive. I recognize them from 1864…

"Mia?" I hear Damon cough from behind me.

"Damon! Come on, we gotta get you out of here! Where's Anna? Jeremy's worried sick." He coughs again and points to a female body with a stake sticking out of her heart. Damnit!

"There's nothing we can do now, let's go!" I pull Damon so that the majority of his weight is on my back. I readjust him so I have a firm grip on him before dashing to the steps. Just as I'm about to step up, someone grabs my leg.

"Mia—cough—Salvatore. I remember you…just as beautiful now as you were then. It was hell trying to talk to you—cough—because you never left—cough—Katherine's side—cough." I roll my eyes. I remember him and I didn't like him. He was bluntly disrespectful. Saying things about how he wanted to have his way with us. What he would do if he could…

I look down at him with pure disgust, "And now look at you. Groveling at my feet where you belong. You disgusting piece of shit! Enjoy hell." I sneer just before I kick him into the fire. I ignore his screams as I carry Damon out before the spell wears off.

Once I got us out of there safely, Damon and I burst into a fit of coughs. Jeez…imagine if I smoked.

"Mia! You're alright! I was beginning to worry…" Elena runs up to me and throws her arms arm me.

"She was gone less than two minutes, Elena. Give her some space." Is Stefan's quiet reply. Elena pulls her arms away from me and walks to the side where Bonnie is standing. I look over to Stefan and I can see the effects of the device still taking its toll on him.

"Are you okay, Stefan?" I ask him. My hands grabbing his chin and turning his face toward me to check for any signs of harm.

I smile sadly to myself at how familiar this is.

He must notice it too because he gently places his hands over mine and lowers them from his face.

Stefan returns my sad smile.

"I'm not a little kid anymore, Mia. I'll be fine, okay?"

"I'm not a little kid anymore, Mia! Why do you always do that?!"

"Do what?" I ask softly. He frowns as he roughly removes my hands from his face.

"That! You always act like I'm gonna break or something! I'm not a scrawny little kid anymore!" He screams in frustration. I laugh softly. He's only ten, and he already thinks he's a man.

"You are still a kid, Stefan. You're my kid brother. And I wouldn't have it any other way." I laugh as I pinch his cheek.

The memory fades and the little boy is now replaced by a grown man. His eyes prove that he's no longer a kid, too. The things he's been through, the things he's seen...no one could through that and still be a kid in my eyes.

I smile softly, "No. I guess you aren't, are you? But I will always worry about you, Stefan. And I wouldn't have it any other way." I give him a small smile before turning my attention to Damon, Elena, and Bonnie.

"How ya feeling, Kiddo?" I ask, ruffling Damon's hair like when we were kids. Elena seems to get a kick out of this because she starts giggling.

"Don't mess up the hair, huh!" He groans as he tries to move away.

"Yep, you're doing fine." I laugh. I'm still mad at him. But I'm willing to look passed that for now. I almost lost him. Now is not the time for hard feelings.

"And so are you. I could practically smell the sex pouring from your body. So that's why you were late, isn't it? Decided to get laid before the parade, huh?" Damon smirks. I laugh.

"Now now. Stop sniffing me, Damon. It's rude. But If you must know, yes I did. It was long overdue…" we chuckle. Out of the corner of my eye I see Elena turn her head as if she didn't hear us. But not before I saw a hint of jealousy swirling in those beautiful eyes of hers.

If only you knew that I only have eyes for you…

I decide I don't want to talk about my sex life in front of Elena anymore. If she's uncomfortable with it, then I won't talk about it.

My eyes catch John Gilbert walking away from the scene grimly. Bastard…I don't know what Isobel saw in him. Teenagers or not, he's just…ew.

A light tug on my arm snaps me out of my thoughts.

"Mia…I just wanted to thank you. You saved me even though I've been a horrible brother to you. I'm sorry, and thank you." I turn back to Damon and search his eyes. I can't hold back my emotions anymore. My eyes begin to tear up, but I refuse to let them fall.

"Don't thank me. What are big sisters for? We'll talk more about it later, alright? I'm just glad my brothers are okay." I smile to him.

My phone rings breaking our sibling moment. I frown when I realize it's Isobel.

Moving far enough away from the earshot of Stefan and Damon I answer her call.

"Hello?"

"Mia, I'm so glad you're okay! I promise you, John threw Damon in there on his own. The device was for the tomb vampires. It was never supposed to be for you three. I promise." I hear her say desperately.

"No. It's okay, I believe you. I swear…as for John, he'll have to deal with me now." I say dangerously.

I hear her chuckle, "Do as you wish with him. He had no right to endanger you like that. But you may what to refrain from killing him. Elena might not forgive you…he is her father after all."

"Oh I'm not going to kill him. But I'll make him wish he were dead…" I growl.

"I don't doubt it." I can practically see her smirking through the phone.

"Yeah and that bitch Bonnie has it coming too. She practically lit the match." I sneer.

"Calm down, Mia. That's Elena's best friend. You'll have zero chance with her if you do something like that. Just think about it before you do anything." Isobel says and I sigh. She's right.

"Okay. I won't. But that bitch has one more strike. Two strikes you're out. I don't play baseball." I spat. Glaring at Bonnie from afar.

"I know. But trust me. Elena is more important than her."

"Yeah I know, Isobel. You're right. Elena means so much more…" My words trail off as stare at Elena from a distance, taking in her beauty. My mouth slightly agape as I see her smile and hug Stefan tightly. That smile!

"Mia? Are you there?" Isobel's voice snaps me out of my thoughts and back into reality.

"What? Yeah, sorry. I just got distracted." I mumble.

I hear he laugh lightly over the phone, "Looking at Elena no doubt."

"No, I wasn't." I say stubbornly.

"Yes you were, I could tell…" she laughs loudly.

"Okay, Isabel, that's my cue! No more talking about Elena with you." I say I'm a sing song voice. Isobel chuckles.

"Alrighty, Mia. I'll call you soon to check on you, yeah? Oh, and for what it's worth, I think you deserve Elena more than either of them. One day, she'll realize that too…"

My heart soars at her words. I close my eyes momentarily to regain control over my emotions.

"Thank you. You don't know how much that meant to me. I love ya Isobel. Talk to you soon." I hung up the phone and let my eyes wonder back to Elena who I notice is now headed my way.

I speed up to meet her.

"Elena…" I say her name so softly, as if It's the most sacred thing in the world. Her breath hitches and she jumps a little.

"Did I scare you, Lena?" I chuckle. She rolls her eyes but can't stop the smile forming on her lips.

"Come here." She says and pulls me into a tight hug. My arms find her waist instantly and I pull her close to me. As close as I can. I bury my face in her neck and I can't help but take a long intake of breath as I savor her natural smell.

"I've missed you. And I'm sorry for not telling you I was coming back." I mumble into the crook of her neck.

She pulls apart from me and I immediately miss the warmth of her body.

"Don't be. I'm glad you surprised me. I just wanted to ask you if you could spend the night at my house later? It'll be nice to spend some time with you." My dead heart skipped at beat at her words. She's really…

"Of course I will…maybe I'll teach you how to play Call of duty. But I doubt you can handle it." I tease her laughing.

"I can handle it! Bring it on!" Gosh, I just want to take her and kiss her right there. She's so perfect…

"We'll see…" I smile. I pull her in for another hug, but it's quickly interrupted when I notice the sudden burning sensation at the back of my throat. Why am I hungry again? I just fed…

"Elena I gotta go…I need to feed." I choke out. I see her eyes widen in realization. Then fear…

"Don't be afraid, I promised that I would never feed from you without your consent again. I'm just going to the Boarding house to get some of Damon's blood bags." I shoot her a smile reassuring smile.

"I know. I trust you, Mia. I'll call you, when I get back home."

"Sounds good." Elena moves towards me for a farewell hug but I turn away. I can barely keep myself in control right now and we're standing a good distance apart.

"It's probably best we don't, yeah? I'm hardly in control right now. I shouldn't be that close to you until I've fed."

She nods her head and I speed off. I can't afford to be near her another second.

I fumble around with my keys to my mustang. I curse myself when I accidentally drop them in my hurry to get out of this crowded place. There's just too many humans and they all smell yummy…

I shake my head as I feel my fangs protrude. Not now...

Once I was able to get in the car I sighed in relief because the smell of blood didn't seep through my car. The ride home was quick due to my excessive speeding. I was pushing 80 mph on a 45 mph street. It didn't matter, everyone was at the parade tonight anyway.

As I pull into the driveway I flash into the house and straight to the basement where Damon hides his personal stash of blood bags.

I quickly gulp down the blood, squeezing it to flush more blood out the bag. Growling in frustration as I realize I'm still extremely hungry. I grab another one, and then before I know it, I've already sucked 5 blood bags dry. My breathing is coming out hard and heavy. I reach in the cooler for another blood bag. I need more…

I'm at war with myself. I know if I drink too much I'll end up falling back into bloodlust. It's been over 30 years since I've last gone on a rampage. It's a struggle each day not to fall back into those habits and it seems harder to deal with now. Being back in Mystic Falls was hard enough but then I wasn't only faced with returning to my childhood town, but also coming face to face with a teenager who is the exact replica of my one true love—Or she was at the time. I'll admit, I was angry with Katherine for turning my brothers, but I was hurt because I lost the love of my life. Up until 15 years ago when Damon happily turned up at my doorstep, gloating about how he was the only one who knew Katherine was still alive locked in a tomb. I was livid. It was then I realized that everything I ever felt for Katherine was a lie. She was a liar. She didn't love me.

My knuckles turn white as I squeeze every last drop of blood out of my sixth blood bag.

I need another one…

My brain becomes less and less clear as I suck down my seventh blood bag. My face is completely vamped out now. I know that I'm nearing the point of no return. It's so tempting just to gulp all of these blood bags down. Maybe then the burning I'm feeling right now will disappear. I reach for my eighth blood bag and open it with my teeth. The blood touches my lips and I moan. It tastes better the more I drink, it's becoming more addicting with each swallow.

I have to stay in control...

I squeeze my eyes shut, and I bite my tongue to try to keep my mouth shut; stopping any blood from entering my mouth.

My fangs are drawing blood on my tongue from biting down so hard. I try to form a rational thought that doesn't evolve around blood.

Suddenly, Lexi's voice rings in my mind, "…Remember what you learned to do to stop, okay?"

I do remember…and I'm willing to try anything to stop myself from spiraling downhill. If I do…I won't be able to spend time with Elena…

"My name is Mia Salvatore. I am a vampire. I've lived for over a century. My father killed me and my brothers. We were all turned by the blood of Katherine Pierce. Mystic Falls is my home. I love art and music. Playing video games is how I like to pass time. When I was young I dreamed of being remembered for something great. I've always struggled with depression. During the final year of my life as a human, I found love. Now I am in love again. I am in love with Elena Gilbert…" I mumble to myself. I know I probably look crazy. Sitting here rocking myself as I mumble words that make no sense. But this is what I need, I need to hear it.

"I am in love with Elena Gilbert. She is the one I truly love, not Katherine…Elena is the perfect version of the girl I once fell for. I will get through this for her. I will do whatever I need to be close to her, the love of my life…" My breathing slows down considerably and my fangs retract back to their normal state. I let out a sigh of relief.

I'm okay…

(X)

After I managed to calm myself down I saw that I was completely covered in blood. So I decided to take a hot shower to scrub away any remains of what conspired down there. I made a mental note to steal more blood bags for Damon. I cleaned up the blood that was pooled on the floor around the cooler and I through my clothes in the trash. I put on skinny jeans and a tank top. No need to dress up just to spend the night at Elena's. Even though I couldn't help putting make up on. Just because I prefer the fairer sex doesn't mean I can't dress like a woman. I've never understood the appeal of a girl who is attracted to a butch. What's the point of being a lesbian if she imitates a man? It defeats the purpose—well, that's a personal opinion. But as my jackass of a father once told me, "There's somebody for everyone." To me that is not limited to sexuality.

I'm applying a touch of eye shadow when my phone rings.

"You make me glooooow! But I cover up won't let it shoooooow. So I'm putting my defenses up, cause I don't wanna fall in love. If I—"

"Hey Lena, what's up?" I try to hide my happiness at her calling me.

"Mia..." she sniffs.

"Elena what's wrong? Are you hurt? Where are you?! I'm coming!" I say panicking.

"No…I'm on my way to the hospital. I came home late because I couldn't find my clothes…I don't know, I think someone took them, but somehow a Tomb vampire got into the house and attacked John. I called the ambulance, they just took him. I found Jeremy cooped up in his room, he tried to kill himself to become a vampire! I just don't know what to do!"

My mouth drops. "He what?! And who gave one of those bastards' permission to come in your house? Where is Stefan! I'll call him! We have a vampire to hunt!" I say angrily.

"No, no, Mia. Stefan's here. I'm heading down to the hospital. I just…I can't leave Jeremy. He doesn't want anything to do with Stefan right now…he actually wanted you to stay here with him. I just agreed to ask because you were coming anyway to spend the night."

"No problem, Elena. I'm glad you and Jeremy are okay. I'm going to talk to him when I get there, okay?"

"Thank you so much, Mia. I'll see you in a few okay?"

"Okay. I'm on my way now."

I hang up the phone and quickly gather my things and head to Elena's house.

As soon as I pull up Elena and Stefan are already coming out of the house.

"Hey…" I say as Elena throws herself into my arms. We cut our hug short when Stefan clears his throat.

"We should probably get going, Elena." He says softly. Elena looks at me with a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Yeah. We should. I'll be back in a bit. I have to fill out a police report at the hospital. Since I'm the one who found him." I nod my head.

"I know. Keep her safe, Stefan." I turn around and walk to the house.

When I'm inside I dash up to Jeremy's room. He's lying on his bed and staring at the ceiling.

"Elena told me what you did..." I say pulling up his computer chair to sit by his bed.

He huffs and turns away from me.

"Look, Jeremy, I'm not going to nag you. I'm sure you've heard enough of that. But I wanted to tell you that I get you." With my last sentence he turns around to stare at me.

"You do?" He asks surprised.

I smile sadly before looking down at my hands.

"Yeah. I was in love with a woman named Katherine. She was a vampire and they took her just like they did Anna tonight. Katherine was my one true love, like seriously. Me and my brothers were killed by our father for trying to save her. He shot them first, I held Katherine in my arms. They put a cover over her mouth. Tied her down like a fucking animal. I was hysterical but somehow through my tears I was able to force that stupid thing from around her mouth. She was weakened by the vervain, and I hated how vulnerable they made her look so I kissed her. In that moment nothing else mattered but the feel of her lips on mine. All of a sudden, I felt this excruciating pain that started in my back then spread through my whole body. I remember my father screaming something about having a lesbian for a daughter." I take a deep breath. I hadn't even told my brothers this story. I've never actually talked about it at all out loud at all.

"I was still in Katherine's arms. She tightened her grip on me as I died slowly in her arms. She kept telling me it was okay…that I was coming back. But I didn't want to come back. I wanted to die just as she was when they threw her in that church. Some men came and pulled her away from me. She said something to me, I could barely hear her, but I could read her lips. She told me she loved me. I tried, Jeremy, just to say I love you too. But my throat was clogged and my eyes were growing heavy. I hated it. I knew I'd come back a vampire, and while I wanted to do so many things when I became one, I always planned to accomplish them with her by my side." By the time I've finished tears are streaming down my face. It's the first time I've told anyone that. It feels good to get it out. Something I should've done a long time ago.

"That's horrible. I'm really sorry." He says softly.

"Don't be," I laugh softly. "I'm being ridiculous. I don't love her now, my love for her is long gone. Especially after everything that's happened."

"I know about Katherine. Anna told me about her."

"My love for Katherine is long gone." I repeat again.

"Are you sure about that? You sounded like you still loved her." He smirks a bit as he teases me.

"Oh, stop it, Jeremy. I love someone else now." I laugh.

"My sister." He says with a knowing smile. Oh, that's great. CNN probably knows, too.

I pick up a small action figure he had thrown around and tossed it at him. "Piss off, Jeremy." I laugh.

"I know you love her." He replies smugly.

"Well, good. Since you know I love her, you should know that I hate it when she's not happy. Now I told you I wouldn't nag you, but I can't help it just a little. She cares about you so much. You and Jenna are all that she has. Please promise me that you won't do something like this again, okay? I can't stand to see her beating herself up worrying sick about you. Hell, I worry sick about you. I care about you; I understand your pain probably more than anyone." I say reaching over to put my hand on his arm.

"Okay. I promise."

My phone rings and I look to see its Stefan.

I step out of the room, "Hey little brother, everything good?"

"No. Caroline got into a car accident. Apparently Tyler was driving and lost control over the car. Caroline's in critical condition…they have to perform surgery on her." My heart sinks. I like Caroline, even if she is the equivalent to E! news. I don't want anything bad to happen to her.

"Give her your blood, Stefan. Please." I beg.

"Damon was going to, but Bonnie didn't like that one bit."

"Oh fuck Bonnie. I'm so over bitchy witch! If Caroline dies, her blood will be on witchy's hands!"

"I know that. We'll wait a little longer before we take matters into our own hands."

"You better, if not, I'll march down there and shove the blood down her throat myself."

"Careful, one might think you were Damon in disguise." He laughs.

"Well, people always did say we acted a lot alike." I chuckle.

"Elena told me to tell you we'll be back soon. We are leaving in about 10 minutes."

"Okay. See you then."

I flash back up to Jeremy's room and I find him sleeping peacefully. I listen to his steady heartbeat and smile softly.

I decide to go into Elena's room and wait until they come back. I flop down on her bed and breathe in her scent. I let my eyes close and drift off surrounded by her natural smell.

I jump up as I hear the door shut downstairs. I look over to the clock. It's only been 15 minutes?! I'm halfway down the steps when I feel it. That familiar force of gravity. Almost like an unstoppable force pulling me towards something. It's been years since I've felt like this. Even then it wasn't this strong. I blink my eyes a few times as I blindly allow myself to absentmindedly walk towards the pull.

I mentally relax when I see Elena coming through the door.

"Hey. How's Caroline?" I ask rushing down to her.

"Not good…" she says sadly.

I take her in my arms and I let my body relax. It feels right to be holding her. I know I've made up my mind that I wanted her months ago, and now all of the universe conspires in helping me get what I desire. I wrap my arms around her waist pulling her closer.

But all too soon that moment is broken as I realize that it was not Elena the universe is conspiring for me to have, but Katherine.

I growl and throw her across the room.

"Katherine." I spat seeing her get on her feet with inhuman speed.

She smirks, "At least I was able to fool Damon. Not surprised I couldn't fool you though, our connection is stronger than that."

I sped over to her and slam her against a nearby wall.

"Feel better? You always were so aggressive with me, weren't you, blue?" I cringe at the shortened version of my nickname for her. I let my face vamp out as I slam her to another wall.

"Aren't you a strong one, moya lyubov?" She finishes in her native tongue. I shiver at her words. Damn her for remembering how much I loved when she spoke Bulgarian!

Katherine and I both turned our heads at the sound of the lock clicking. She grabs my hand and breaks it, making me loosen my grip on her.

I scream in pain as I snap my fingers back into place.

Damnit!

Elena, Stefan, and Damon come rush in.

"What happened?" Elena runs over to me concern written all over her face.

I look at Damon and Stefan knowing they'll figure out exactly what happened.

Damon silently curses himself before answering.

"Katherine happened."

A/N: P.S. I know Heart Attack wasn't even out then, but it was in this story lol.

I hope you enjoyed this extremely long chapter!

Translations:

Bonjour mon amour—Hello my love. (French)

ça fait longtemps—It has been a while. (French)

moya lyubov—My love. (Bulgarian)