Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Twilight or Vampire Diaries. Those rights are reserved for Stephanie Myer and L.J. Smith. I do own the original characters made up for this storyline. Thank you.

Writer's Notes: Enjoy, Danger or Innocence!

Have you ever just hurt so much, that you question your entire existence? Being forgotten and dropped like you were nothing, that everything that you lived for, meant nothing. That your love…was just nothing? Having your heart shredded into a billion pieces, was something that no one should have to experience, but people experience it every day. So, what made Bella so different? Was it because she fell in love with the lion? Could he ever really fight his own nature, or was he always going to be this deceptive creature that toyed with her for whatever personal gain? How was life even worth living at this point?

"Bella!" The voice of Charles Swan, chief of police, and Bella's father, called up the stairs to her.

She snapped out of her daze, as she stared out the window at the passing seasons. She graduated three months ago from high school, barely, and her father was increasingly getting worried about her. This wasn't normal. It wasn't normal for her to be this thin, to be this catatonic over a high school boyfriend.

But that's just it. He wasn't just an ordinary boy. She loved him, with every part of her, and he just…abandoned her without any proper explanation. He didn't want her. He didn't…. love her. Was it really that one sided?"

"Bella!" Charlie called again, standing on the bottom stair, hesitating. He would have to go up and get her again. He was starting to think that maybe she needed to go live somewhere else, other than Forks. As much as he hated that notion. He just wasn't sure he could keep watching her wither away into nothing.

Bella got up from her chair, pulling her oversized sweater around her tighter and she waked down the stairs. Her dark eyes fell on her dad. "I'm okay. What is it you need?" She said, her voice oddly monotonous, but that was the usual with her now.

Charlie swallowed. "I wanted to talk to you." He said. "Come to the kitchen." He said and then disappeared towards the kitchen. He was wearing his police uniform, and his graying hair on the sides did him some justice. He wasn't a bad looking guy, but still he remained the single father for so long because he didn't think he could love anyone else other than Renee, despite her breaking his heart when she left 12 years ago.

Bella sighed and followed her dad into the kitchen. He pulled a chair out and she sat down in it. She looked at her dad. His face was worn from the stress and worry. She had done that to him, and she realized that. She wasn't sure how she let it get that bad, but it was.

"I can't watch you wither away like this anymore." Charlie started. "It's not healthy. He's gone Bells. He's not going to come back. You need to live your life, not sit here and wait for him to return."

Bella swallowed. "I know." She said, her voice small. She had thought about everything. How he would never be there to hold her any longer. That he abandoned her because he didn't love her. Was she not worthy of love? Was it too hard to love a girl like her?

"That's why, you're moving out." Charlie said, clasping his hands in front of him. He had to put his foot down somewhere.

"Where will I go?" Bella frowned, anxiety building up in her. She wasn't sure where she could go, she couldn't live on her own. Could she?

"Uncle Ric's."

"Mystic Falls?" Bella asked, a little appalled. She hadn't been there in a long time. She hadn't even seen Uncle Ric in a few years. "I can't do that. What about here. What about you?"

Charlie sighed. "You need to get out of this funk. I'm always going to be here. But I need you to get better, and Ric has experience with this. He's a counselor and he can help you repair what's broken."

Bella teared up a little. "I just don't know dad. I don't want to leave my home."

"I don't want you to keep going the way you are. This is serious Bells. I'm losing you, and I can't sit here and watch you…do this to yourself. Try it for a year, if after a year you hate it, then…come back home." Charlie said and reached over and took her hands in his. "I love you. I want you to get healthy again. Mentally, and physically."

Bella knew what her dad was saying was true. She needed to get healthy again. "Okay." She gave in. "I'll go." Her voice wavered a little, the thought of leaving her home and going to a place that wasn't, was daunting to say the least. But she had to make the move. She had to give life a second chance.

[Two Weeks Later: Mystic Falls, Virginia]

Mystic Falls was a small town, like Forks was, except Mystic Falls was an older town, and had more historical value to the walls and buildings that lined the street downtown. The Appalachian Mountains were visible from where they were, and the greenery was a little bright, compared to the dreary, overcast of Forks, Washington. At least here, the sun was shining through the trees, illuminating how pale Bella actually was.

Alaric Saltzman was the half-brother of Charlie, their mother remarrying to Ed Saltzman when Charlie was fourteen, and a year later Alaric was born. Now, he was taking Bella into his home to help her get better. He was a single man, with no children, but he was a counselor at the high school. He was also a psychologist, so he had hopes to help Bella.

"Welcome to Mystic Falls." Alaric greeted Bella when he drove into the town. He had a light attitude, his voice calming enough. His eyes were a steel blue color, favoring his late father, and his hair was a dusty blonde. He had a little bit of scruff from not shaving the last couple days, and all in all, he was a handsome, likeable guy.

Bella stared out the window at the passing trees, soaking in the new territory. She could do this. She kept telling herself that over and over again.

They pulled up outside a restaurant, bar and grill called Mystic Grille. The rustic value to the place was warm and inviting, but that's how most restaurants were supposed to be. She unfastened her seatbelt silently and got out of the dark SUV her uncle drove. She looked around, shoving her hands into her pockets. She folded in on herself, which was how she stood now. It was more of a defense mechanism than anything.

Alaric watched her, noting some things in his mind, to discuss later with her. "So, this is basically where I live. I eat here, drink here, socialize. I can't cook, so."

Bella nodded. "It's cool." She said and walked inside with her uncle. It was boisterous and lively with people, who were laughing or smiling or just having a good time. There were pool tables inside, where teens congregated, and played pool to appear like they were doing more than just chilling. Alaric sat down at a table, with a booth, and she sat across from him. She pulled her sleeves over her hands subconsciously, anther one of her nervous ticks, she wasn't really aware of, but Alaric was aware.

A young boy walked up to the table, his dark hair ruffled and shaggy, and his dark eyes matched. He had a cute boyish appearance, handsome in the least, and he was brawny, like he was an athlete. His smile was dazzling somewhat. "Hey Ric. Want the usual tonight?"

"Hey Jer, yeah, that sounds good. Jeremy this is my niece, Bella. Bella, this is Jeremy Gilbert. He's a senior at Mystic Falls High." Alaric introduced.

Jeremy smiled at Bella. "Nice to meet you and welcome to Mystic Falls." He set down a menu in front of her. "If you need a moment."

"Oh. Um. Just a burger…fries." She said softly, not making eye contact.

Jeremy glanced to Alaric, and he shook his head, and so Jeremy just nodded. "Alright. Did you want a soda? Or water perhaps?"

Bella nodded. "Water is fine." She said softly again, rubbing the tips of her sleeves together as they wound around her hands.

Jeremy nodded again, smiling again. "Alright, I'll put that in for you. Shouldn't take long." He said and took the menu back and then went to their order in.

Alaric studied his niece, her anxiety was visible in the way she acted, or spoke. "Bella. Can you look at me?" He asked softly.

Bella swallowed and looked up at her uncle, seeing his steel blue eyes a little concerned. "Yes?"

"It's going to be okay." He assured her. "This place, no one knows who you are. It's a fresh start. I know you're anxious and nervous, just know that I'm right here with you, every step of the way." He offered a smile.

Bella nodded, blowing out a breath, and then she moved her hands under the table. "Thank you."

A short while later, their drinks and food was at the table. Jeremy smiled. "Let me know if you need anything else." He said, and then he was off to take care of other customers.

Alaric's phone rang and he leaned back, wiping his mouth with a napkin, and answered. "Dr. Saltzman." He said and paused. "Okay. Let me get to my office. It's okay, keep calm. I'll be there." He said and hung up. "Outside of school, I have an office here in Mystic Falls, to see patients. I'm terribly sorry. It's just right down the way a little bit."

Bella nodded. "It's okay. I'll sit here and wait."

"Could take an hour." Alaric said with a frown.

"I'll be okay." Bella said, glancing around. "Um. Go help your patient. It's important."

Alaric nodded. "Okay. I'll be back as soon as I can." He said and stood, setting money on the table before leaving to go down to his office for the patient emergency.

Bella took a drink of her water, and then ate a couple more fries. Jeremy came back over to the table, and he frowned.

"Where's Ric?"

"Emergency…at his office." Bella said, her eyes not meeting Jeremy's.

Jeremy hesitated slightly, but he sat down anyways across from her. "Hey. Are you okay?"

Bella swallowed, and glanced up, her dark eyes meeting his finally. "Yeah." She shifted a little in her seat.

"I make you uncomfortable?" Jeremy asked gently.

"No…. yes. Sorry, I'm not…I don't know." Bella wasn't sure how to explain it. She was having a hard time being around people after keeping to herself for so long.

"Ric hasn't said much about you. But why don't I tell you about myself. Maybe that will make it less awkward?" He asked and she nodded. "So, I'm a senior at Mystic Falls, 19, I am a varsity football player. Tight end. I also play baseball, pitcher. I have an older sister, who is away at university touring it for her freshman year. I have an aunt that has raised us. Both my parents died in a car accident four years ago." He said.

Bella frowned. "Oh no. I'm sorry." She said, her heart aching at the loss of a parent.

"I'm okay now. It was hard at first, but I'm good now. What about you?" He asked.

Bella nodded. "Um. I'm 19. I graduated in May. Uh. My dad is a cop. I don't have a mom anymore. I don't play sports. I'm…accident prone." She rubbed her sleeves together again in front of her.

Jeremy noticed, and he reached across the table and set his hand on hers. "Don't be nervous. It's okay. I'm not gonna bite." He coaxed.

Bella swallowed, feeling the weight of his hand on hers, and it scared her a little somehow, but she pushed through the feelings of anxiety enough to not move anymore. "Thank you."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Jeremy asked. "I know I just met you, but I can be a good listener." He offered.

Bella wasn't sure she could talk about Edward, just thinking about him made her chest hurt. "Um. Maybe. I went through a bad breakup." She said and sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm not good at this."

"No need to apologize." Jeremy said, smiling a little. "Do you like pie?"

"What?"

"Pie. Chocolate pie?"

"Oh. Sure."

Jeremy patted her hand gently and stood. "I'm going to bring you some pie." He said and disappeared.

Bella thought Jeremy was nice. Her usual experience with jock type people was limited to banter in the hallways of a school. She was mostly invisible. Until she dated Edward, then all eyes were on her. Girls were envious of her for dating one of the hottest guys in the school. When she was just so plain. Her leg started bouncing a little, another nervous trait of hers that she unfortunately inherited after Edward. She stared at her hands, that rested on the table, and the building anxiety in her felt like she would explode. She could hear her heart beating hard in her own ears. She was suffocating slowly on the inside, and she needed to get out. Suddenly, there was a man that entered the grill, and for some reason she felt, his presence. She glanced up, her dark eyes meeting ocean blue-green eyes that seemed to stare back at her. She blinked a few times, trying to break her trance, but he walked over towards her.

"You're a new face." He said, his voice lilted with an English accent. His dark blonde curls were a neat tousle on his head, and his jaw was perfect. Even the way he was dressed, was perfect. The intention semi-formal wear. The dark slacks, and button up shirt that was tieless, and the first two buttons were undone at the collar. His lips were curved slightly with a catlike smile, and he was charming.

"I uh…" Bella forgot how to talk.

Jeremy returned, his smile faltering when he saw the man, but he didn't say anything immediately. He set the pie down in front of Bella and smiled at her. "It's the best pie. Promise." He said with ease.

Bella nodded, staring at the pie a moment, before she looked back up at the stranger. "I'm Bella." She managed to introduce. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, and the man seemed to smile a little more at the sound of her racing heart.

"Klaus. Klaus Mikaelson." He said and looked at Jeremy. "Where's Ric?"

"He had an emergency at the office." Jeremy said, his voice not as friendly as it was when he spoke to Bella.

Bella didn't look at Jeremy, she only stared at Klaus. Something about him was alluring in a strange way, and she was confused. It made her anxiety spike again, and she looked down at her pie, trying to find the strength to just take a bite.

"I see." Klaus looked at his watch on his wrist. "Hmm. Then I'll sit and have a drink then." He said and looked at Bella. Her heart rate was still spiking, and he wondered why she was so nervous. "Do you mind if I sit with you?"

Bella looked up, a mix of shock and anxiety on her face. "Uh. Sure." She managed, stammering a little.

Jeremy watched Klaus take a seat across from Bella. He was now on alert, that Klaus Mikaelson was here. "Bourbon?" He asked, trying to keep his own anger at bay.

"Yes, thank you." He said politely, and Jeremy hesitated, but walked away. He didn't like leaving Bella alone with Klaus.

"So, you're new. Bella, was it?" Klaus asked, making small talk.

Bella nodded. "Just got here." She said, her voice shrinking a little.

"I make you nervous?" Klaus asked, raising a brow.

"A little." Bella admitted.

Klaus smiled, and then looked up at Jeremy when he set the bourbon in front of him. When Jeremy stood there a moment, he glanced back over at him. "That was all. Thank you, Jeremy." He said with a nod, lifting the bourbon to his lips.

Jeremy looked at Bella. "Um. Do you…need anything else?" He asked.

Bella shook her head. "No. Thank you." She said and Jeremy walked away but kept his watch on the two of them.

Klaus studied her a bit more. She was thin, pale, and despite those two things, she was still beautiful. Her cheekbones were arched slightly, her dark eyes held a mystery to them, and her hair was a dark chestnut, straight and to her shoulders. Her lips pouted just the right way, and despite her being anxious, she still seemed to be bright. "So, what brought you here to Mystic Falls?"

"My uncle." Bella said. "Alaric Saltzman. That's my uncle."

Klaus's eyebrows went up in surprise. He hadn't anticipated her being the niece that he heard Alaric talk about from time to time. "Oh? That's interesting."

"Not really."

"You're interesting." Klaus said.

Bella frowned. "I'm not…I'm just…Bella."

Klaus smiled his catlike smile again. "I guarantee you're far more interesting than you think you are."

"What makes you think that?"

"Well, you're beautiful, your eyes, they're mysterious. You're guarding your emotions, but I can tell you're anxious and nervous around me. Am I intimidating?" Klaus queried.

Bella swallowed. "A little."

"Good." Klaus said with a smile and lifted his glass to his lips.

Bella's cheeks reddened a little, embarrassed that he pegged her so quickly. "What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Who is Klaus Mikaelson?"

Klaus smirked, chuckling a little. "I'm intrigued." He said. "I'm a lot of things Bella. I know as soon as I leave this table, Jeremy is going to walk over and warn you about me. I'm not a delicate man. I can be brash, even harsh."

"I don't see that."

"Oh? Who am I to you?"

Bella swallowed. "Mysterious. I don't know you." This was the most she had spoken in months, and she felt exhausted already from the conversation.

"I'm not a mystery." Klaus said. "Stick around in Mystic Falls long enough, you'll see plenty, of me." She blushed at his words. "Hmm, and you're naughty." He said, his catlike grin back.

"I-I, don't know what you're talking about." Bella stammered a little, flushing more. Why was she so nervous around him and why was she turning into an idiot?

Klaus lifted his bourbon and took another drink. "I'm sure you understand what I'm saying. I come with a label. I am a playboy. So, you'll do good to steer clear of me, but I don't think you will."

"Do you proposition every woman you meet?" She asked, finding some strength to her voice, but it was still small and unsure.

"Only the ones I fancy." Klaus said, and finished his bourbon, before setting money on the table for his drink. "Have a nice night, Bella." He said and stood. He glanced back at her one more time before he left the grille.

Bella blew out a breath, her heart was stammering hard in her chest. She hadn't felt like this in a long time, and she wondered where it came from.

Jeremy walked over to the table now that Klaus was gone. "Are you okay?"

Bella blinked a few times and looked up at Jeremy. "Um. Yeah."

"You're a little flushed. Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. Thanks." She said with a nod, and then managed to take a bite of the pie finally. It was good, surprisingly.

About forty minutes later, Alaric returned. He found Bella still sitting in the same spot, and she was sitting across from Jeremy, who was talking to her, and she was paying attention to what he was saying, and she nodded a couple times. He smiled. Leave it to Jeremy to help when he could. He walked back to the table. "Hey. Sorry about that." He apologized.

Bella shook her head. "It's fine. Everything okay?"

"Yes. Now, we can get you home. Let you unpack some things in your room. Thanks Jer." He said, smiling at him.

[Alaric's Apartment]

Alaric's apartment was plain, nothing really on the walls, but there was a bookshelf that had a host of books on it. He hung his keys on the hook by the door and shouldered her duffle bag. She didn't have a lot of stuff, or stuff that she wanted to bring with her. He closed the door behind them and showed her, her new room. "I got it furnished. Hope it's what you like."

Bella investigated the room. A full-sized bed with a navy comforter was on it. The dresser had six drawers, and there was a desk and a nightstand. There was a TV mounted on the wall across from her bed. She nodded. "It looks great. Thank you, Uncle Ric." She said and he set her duffle bag down.

"Well, if you need anything, just ask." Alaric said and left her to herself.

Bella took her time unpacking and putting things away. She didn't realize how late it got until Alaric poked his head in. She glanced up at him.

"So, I have to be at school in the morning pretty early. I've got the keys to the rental SUV your dad had me get before you came hanging on the hook. Credit card is on the table by the door. Are you going to be okay by yourself tomorrow?"

Bella nodded. "Yeah. I'll be okay. Um. I was thinking about drawing again. Is there a craft store close?"

"Yeah, Penny's. It's not far from the Grille." Alaric relayed.

"Thanks." Bella said.

"Tomorrow night, dinner at the Grille? You can meet me there?" Alaric asked.

Bella nodded. "Sure." She said and got up. "I'm going to get better. I promise."

Alaric smiled a little. "It's a good first step. We'll talk more about stuff tomorrow after school. I want you to be comfortable telling me things, so we'll move at your pace. Okay?"

"Okay." Bella said, fidgeting a little.

Alaric took note. "Alright kiddo, goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow." He said and left her to herself, going back to his room.

Bella hugged her arms around herself and looked around her new room. She could hope that this could lead to something better. She had to at least try, or she'll put her dad in an early grave with all the worrying.

[The Next Day]

Bella found Mystic Falls easy to navigate. It wasn't much larger than Forks, and she enjoyed the solitude of just being by herself. Even if there were people out and about too, shopping for whatever they needed, she still felt to herself. She pushed her cart down one aisle at the Penny's that Alaric told her about, and she was looking at the paints. She wanted to get back into her art. This was a great place to start. She used to enjoy painting a lot more. She was in her own little world, and not paying that much attention when she reached for something and bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry." She immediately apologized.

Klaus was there, wearing normal clothes, then what she saw him in last night. Just a dark color t-shirt, and some jeans. It was certainly a sight to see. "It's quite alright. Seems like we've bumped into each other. You're an artist?"

Bella swallowed, feeling the intensity of Klaus's gaze on her. "Yes. I like to paint." She said, shifting a little.

"I do as well." Klaus said. "I'd love to see some of your work sometime."

"I don't have any here. I haven't done art in a long time, so…I'm probably not good at it anymore anyways." Bella was shrinking back into herself. She did that whenever she was nervous.

Klaus frowned. "I'm sure that's not the case. Once an artist, always an artist." He watched her as she shifted nervously. "I apologize. I make you nervous still."

"No. It's not you, it's just something about me." Bella said.

Klaus studied her. She was nervous around him, for a reason, and he intended to find out that reason. He was Klaus Mikaelson, he was used to getting everything that he wanted. "Do you want to get lunch?" He queried.

Bella looked around. "Um. Sure." She decided to try and move forward. She needed to if she was going to get better at all. She couldn't just keep sliding backwards into the funk she was in because of him.

Klaus smiled then. "I'll let you finish your shopping first." He motioned to the paints.

Bella nodded, swallowing again, and shifted, grabbing the paints she wanted. She went to the check out and before she could pay, Klaus did, handing the cashier his card. She frowned at him.

"I support talented young artists. I would love to see what you paint." Klaus said, his smile still plastered to his face.

Bella thanked him again and they left Penny's and went to the Grille. It was still pretty early, but she was hungry for a change.

They were seated by one of the waitresses there, and they ordered food. Bella was still timid, not making eye contact with Klaus because he made her feel nervous, she just didn't want to admit that out loud.

"Tell me Bella, how are you liking Mystic Falls?"

"It's cool. It doesn't really rain here." Bella noted. Back in Forks, it was always raining. The rain could be depressing at times, so at least there was some more sunshine here to help balance out the mood.

Klaus kept his smile. "Ah, and it rains a lot in…. I apologize I don't think I ever asked you where you came from."

"Forks, Washington. Small town. Kind of like here, but it's just extra rainy there." Bella explained and then took a drink of her soda.

"Yes, the sun is rather beautiful, isn't it?"

Bella shrugged. "I suppose. I guess it doesn't really matter."

Klaus found this interesting. "A girl who doesn't like the sun. That is intriguing."

Bella shook her head. "No. Not interesting or intriguing. Just, I think the night holds a certain level of beauty too. It's only at night that you can see the universe."

Klaus found that inspiring. "Oh?"

"Yeah. At night, the sun leaves to give us a glimpse of the stars. The stars that echo another part of the universe."

"You like the stars?"

Bella nodded. "Don't you?"

Klaus smiled, his lips turned up, catlike. "Sometimes. The sun is a star too."

"Yes, but it's just one star, in a sea of billions." Bella pointed out, and somehow, talking like this, put her at ease. She took another drink of her soda, avoiding his gaze.

"Well, I do have the perfect spot for star gazing."

"You do?"

"Yes. It's at my manor. I have a rose garden that has the perfect view of the sky. I'm far enough from the lights of Mystic Falls, that you can see clearly into the night sky." Klaus explained.

Bella smiled a little. "That sounds amazing." She thought about being able to see the night sky. She often lay on her back with…him and watched the sky. He favored the day, even though it was the night that called to him. She frowned now, studying her drink. She must have tuned Klaus out, because he reached over and lay a hand over hers, which broke through to her finally. She blinked and looked up at Klaus, who was staring at her with concern. "I'm sorry?"

"Are you alright? You sort of drifted off somewhere else." Klaus murmured.

"I uh…sometimes do that. I'm sorry." She apologized and leaned back, pulling her hand away. "Lunch was great. Thanks for the art supplies. Have a good-"

"No need to rush. It's quite alright." Klaus said.

Bella looked at him. "Um. I'm not the right kind of company that you probably seek out. I'm…sort of broken. It's probably best you set your sights on another girl. One that will give you what you want."

"What I want? What would that be?"

"Um…whatever it is…. you like to do…as a playboy." Bella said, her cheeks tinting a light pink color.

Klaus smiled a little. "Oh, Bella. If I wanted to bring you to my bed, I would have done so already. I am enjoying the company. I understand that you're quite different than the other women I find myself with."

Bella blinked. "Wait…what?"

"I'm not trying to get into your pants love, I just want to know more about you. That is all. I am trying to be a gentleman."

"You don't want to sleep with me?" Bella asked, feeling strange now. Was she not pretty enough? He would always turn her away when things got too intimate, and she wondered now, if she really wasn't that attractive or appeasing. She felt a slight sting at the thought of being undesirable.

Klaus frowned. "I have offended you."

"No…. uh…not at all. I'm sorry. I made assumptions. Um. Have a great day." She said and stood, leaving Klaus there in the booth.

Klaus shifted, watching her leave, his brows furrowed together.

Bella blew out a breath, walking away from the Grille, and down the sidewalk. She just wanted to walk in the fresh air to clear her mind. She was a bit flustered, and she wasn't watching where she was going, and she ran straight into Jeremy Gilbert.

Jeremy steadied her, one hand on her arm, the other at her waist. "Easy. Are you okay?" He asked, noticing the redness to her cheeks.

Bella blinked up at Jeremy. He was such a sweet kid, so helpful. She felt like maybe her brain broke at some point in the conversation with Klaus, because she reacted to Jeremy not like her normal self. She tipped up, her face closing in on his, and her mouth covered his.

Jeremy was stunned into silence as her mouth consumed his, his other hand dropped to her waist, and he pulled her against him tighter, his lips parting, allowing her access to his mouth, and their tongues met each other.

Bella pulled back, breathing a little hard, and she stared up into his chocolate brown eyes. "I uh…." she blushed.

Jeremy was still confused, not sure where the kiss came from, or why, but he wasn't going to complain. He reached a hand up and brushed her hair out of her face. "Are you alright?" He managed.

"I'm not sure." Bella murmured. "I'm sorry…. I don't know why I did that." She said and then she studied him. "Am I attractive?"

Jeremy frowned. "What?"

"Nevermind." She said and pulled away from him.

"Wait, hold on a second. I was just caught off guard. I don't get asked that question a lot. What do you mean? Did someone say something to you?"

Bella blew out a breath. "No. I just…."

"Your ex said something?" Jeremy asked, recalling that she had told him about her having a bad breakup.

Bella thought back to that day.

I don't love you. I can't stand to look at you anymore. You were just a pity girlfriend. I don't to have anything to do with you again. I'll disappear from your life, and it'll be as if I ever existed.

Bella swallowed. "Um. Maybe. I just…."

"You're very beautiful." Jeremy interrupted her. His chocolate eyes studied hers a little longer. "You're very beautiful Bella." He repeated himself. "Don't let anyone make you feel any other way." He offered a smile.

Bella nodded. She knew that she had a certain pretty quality to herself, but why was it that men found her repulsive? He had only kissed her and when things started to get more intimate, he shied away, and even their kisses were tamer. Like he was trying to hold himself back from something. Then Klaus, didn't find that sexual desire there either. She wasn't wanting to be a virgin, she was ready for sex, or at least, she would have been with him, but he shattered her.

"Are you okay?" Jeremy asked, when she stayed silent for too long.

"Would you have sex with me?" Bella asked, not thinking about having a filter for these sorts of things. Her nerves were all over the place, and she wasn't sure why she blurted that out, but she did.

Jeremy studied her, shocked at her question. "Um. Right now?"

Bella's face reddened more, and she looked away.

Jeremy smiled a little, and then reached up and tilted her face back to look at him. "I think maybe you're trying to work through some of your thoughts, and you're keeping them to yourself, so I'm not understanding what this outburst is. Do you want to share why you're feeling this way?"

"No. Um. I'm sorry." Bella took a step back. "I am a bit messed up. You're a nice kid, you shouldn't…stick around for my craziness."

Jeremy shook his head and reached for her, taking her hand in his. "Nonsense. Messed up or not, you're only human. Bella, if there's something troubling you, I want to help. I know we haven't known each other long, but I want to be your friend."

"Friend…"

Jeremy raised a brow. "Friends…is that okay? I don't want to push you in any one direction."

"No no…. friends is fine." Bella said and then swallowed. "Uh, thank you…."

Jeremy nodded. "Anytime." He murmured, and then he hooked a finger under her chin, and she looked up at him, his mouth coming down over hers again. It was a light kiss, one that took her by surprise making her lips part and letting him in. His tongue swept across hers, and she leaned into him a little, and he held her weight. He pulled back and smiled. "There, so you don't feel so embarrassed." He murmured.

Bella blinked a few times. "Wait, aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"Half day." Jeremy said. "I don't work tonight; do you want to hang out for a bit?"

"Maybe…. I don't know. I've been in town all day. I sort of just want…to go home."

Jeremy nodded. "Alright. What about we find something on Netflix, and we just relax some."

"I don't really watch TV."

Jeremy smiled. "Well, there's a first time for everything…right?"

Bella nodded. "Yeah."

"I walked here. Do you have your car?"

Bella nodded. "Right. Yes, I do." She said and then they walked to the rental SUV that she was using. This was what she was supposed to do right? Make new friends, experience new things? This was the right step to getting better, or so she hoped.

[Alaric's Apartment]

Alaric was still at work, even though the seniors had half a day, the other students had full days, so Bella and Jeremy had the apartment to themselves.

Jeremy had been to Alaric's apartment before, so he knew where everything was, including popcorn, which he got ready, and then got them two cokes, and sat on the couch, flipping on the TV. "So, it's separated into genres. What sort of genre do you want to look at?"

"Scary. I don't like romance stuff." Bella said. "I remember when I was 10, my dad showed me a bunch of old slasher films. Yeah, I know, suitable for a 10-year-old." She said with a smile. "I remember liking the scary aspects to things."

Jeremy smiled. "Alright. What about…let's go with a classis. Amityville Horror."

Bella nodded. "I haven't seen it. It's scary?"

"Can be." Jeremy said and flipped over to Amityville Horror and hit play. He dimmed the lights in the kitchen but turned the lights off in the living room.

Bella watched the TV, only eating a few pieces of popcorn here and there. She felt relaxed for a change, and that was a good thing. She jumped a few times, and scooted closer to Jeremy instinctively, and he smiled, moving an arm around her as the scarier parts took hold on screen. She leaned against him, liking that sense of warmth she felt from him, and protection.

When the movie ended, Bella was laying against him.

"So?" Jeremy asked, his hand was tracing circles over her shoulder.

"That was pretty cool. I like the movie. Are there other movies like this?" Bella asked, leaning up to look at him.

Jeremy nodded. "Yeah. I love scary movies. I used to watch them with my dad a lot, sort of a bonding time between us."

Bella frowned. "You miss him…"

"Sometimes. But I know that he wouldn't want me to dwell. I worked hard to get past it. I fell into a spiral. I did a lot of drugs…and things I'm not proud of. I'm at a good place now."

Bella studied him. He was so strong, and she realized that she wanted to get to a good place too. She needed to for her dad, but also for herself. She leaned in, her lips brushing his softly. She hadn't planned on it, but somehow, he made her feel better.

Jeremy kissed her back, their kissing becoming deeper, longer. He reached a hand up, combing his fingers through her hair, to the back of her head, and he pulled her closer.

Bella's heart slammed in her chest, as some sort of excitement filled her, and she leaned into the kiss, opening more and more, wanting to continue feeling this exact feeling. The feeling of freedom. She was free from the clutches that was her own mind, and anxiety. She needed this moment to last forever.

Jeremy's hands dropped her waist, as she moved forward, continuing with the kiss. His cock sprang to life in his jeans, and he struggled with his control.

When Bella's hands moved down his chest, testing the button on his pants, he pulled back slightly.

"Hmm. Bella…"He murmured. "What are you doing?"

"I don't know." She whispered. "I…" she pulled away, not looking at him in the eyes. "I'm sorry."

Jeremy frowned, and reached up, brushing her hair out of her face. "Hey. Look at me. Don't be sorry."

"I'm way too forward. You're probably weirded out. I'm a strange girl, and I'm practically molesting you right now, and-"

Jeremy cut her off, his mouth taking hers again. "You're not weirding me out. I don't want you to move so fast that you make mistakes."

Bella looked at him. "Mistakes?"

Jeremy sighed. "That's not the right word. You've been through a lot. I don't want you to feel like you have to do things because you think it's expected. I'm not sure how…your ex was, but…I'm not going to take advantage of you."

"He…he never….he always pushed me away." She murmured, and sat back. "Like now. I…Something is wrong with me. Guys don't…find me desirable." She shook her head, tears starting to form.

"Shh." Jeremy reached for her. "No, nothing is wrong with you." He said and then grabbed her hand and moved it towards him, and she felt the bulge in his pants. "You are desirable. Trust me. I want you…badly. But I'm not going to put you in a situation where you feel pressured to do anything you're not ready to do." He explained, hopefully better.

Bella stared at him. "You…want me?"

"I do. I find you very attractive Bella. Maybe if I hadn't known that you have been through a lot, this would have been different, but I want you to make decisions of sound mind. Not rushed into something because you feel like you have to."

"I just…." Bella stroked her hand over him, and heard the small groan in his throat, and her eyes met his. "I'm not going to regret anything." She murmured. "I want to…I'm ready. I've been ready."

Jeremy studied her. "Are you sure?"

Bella nodded. "I'm sure." She said, her heart slamming in her chest again, thinking about what she was about to do. Would this heal her? Maybe. She wasn't sure, but this was farther than she ever got with him, and she felt like she needed some sort of intimacy.

"I don't…. I don't have a condom." He admitted. "This- "

"I don't care." Bella said. "I'm clean, I'm sure you are too. I take the pill."

Jeremy swallowed and nodded. "Okay." He murmured. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I'm sure." Bella said with a nod, feeling alive now, with the anticipation.

Jeremy leaned forward, kissing her, his hands moving to pull her shirt off, and then he leaned back with her, laying her back against the couch, his mouth not leaving hers at all.

She pulled at his shirt, and slipped it off, and she broke the kiss to look at how toned he looked. His shoulders were strong, and he had a strong chest, and he had abs. Something that she found very attractive. His hands moved over her body, caressing her in places that sent shivers through her. Soon, they were naked on the couch. Jeremy stopped to admire her body, and she blushed.

"What?"

"I am a bit subconscious of my body." She murmured.

Jeremy smiled. "You're beautiful. All of you." He murmured and then he leaned down and kissed her again, his right hand going between them, and he played with her, his middle finger circling her clit, gathering a gasp from her. She had never felt this before, and it was exciting. The sensation tore through her as she felt her belly tighten with the anticipation of an orgasm. Something she hadn't even felt herself, and when she felt the damn break, and the feeling rush over her she moaned out, arching up against him in surprise and ecstasy. His mouth covered hers as he continued to play, before he broke the kiss and watched her face. "Are you ready?" He murmured.

Bella nodded, her hands on his shoulders as she felt his cock press against her entrance, it was warm, slippery, but Jeremy knew what he was doing, as he guided himself into her tight, wet space. It hurt, but only slightly, and Jeremy was gentle, holding back as she gathered herself. He watched her face for cues on when to keep going, and when he saw the discomfort leave her face, he pushed further inside. She squeezed him from all sides, his cock already leaking with the pleasure he was feeling, and he moaned as he thrust all the way in, fitting her tight like a glove.

They moved together in perfect synch of each other. He plunged slow and deep at first until she got used to it, before he changed his pace, moving faster and faster, until she was tightening around him, and another orgasm rippled through her. He felt his cock swell, and then he was meeting his own finish, pushing into her deep as he emptied himself. It was the best feeling he had ever experienced. They stayed locked together a few moments, before he slid out of her, his cock dripping with both their orgasm. He got up, leaving to get a rag and to help clean her up, despite her protest, and then he lay with her on the couch, holding her in his arms, her head resting on his chest. He pulled the throw blanket off the back of the couch, over them as she snuggled against him.

"What are you thinking about?" Jeremy asked, breaking the silence.

"That was amazing." Bella murmured. She was relaxed, and not thinking about all the past trauma of him. It was a change of pace for her. She closed her eyes, snuggling closer to Jeremy, and he shifted, turning into her at the same time. She felt safe and warm and that was enough to make her go to sleep. Jeremy smiled, kissing the top of her head while she slept, and then soon found himself drifting off to sleep as well.

[2 Hours later]

Alaric walked into the apartment, sighing from the long day. He hadn't even stopped at the Grille to meet Bella, he sent her a text and when he didn't see her SUV outside, he just kept driving, coming home to the apartment. He put his keys on the hook and moved to the kitchen, pouring himself bourbon from the side cabinet and then shrugged his jacket off, grabbing his drink and moving towards the living room. He took a drink of the amber liquid, and then his eyes fell on Jeremy and Bella, laying together, the blanket over their hips, and Bella was pressed against Jeremy, naked. He nearly spit out his bourbon, but instead choked on it instead.

Jeremy blinked his eyes open, and glanced over at Alaric. "Shh." He said softly. "Get me a towel please." He said lowly.

Alaric disappeared after hesitating a moment to grab a towel, and then brought it back to Jeremy. He turned his back as Jeremy got up from the couch, carefully laying Bella down on the couch and pulling the blanket up over her. He wrapped the towel around himself and moved towards the kitchen and Alaric. Alaric looked at Jeremy. "You did not just fuck my niece." He muttered lowly.

"Yes. I did. Ric, listen to me." Jeremy started; his voice still low.

"She just went through a bad breakup Jer. She's not ready for anything like this. Why would you think that this would be okay?" Alaric wasn't sure when Jeremy and Bella even made this connection.

Jeremy sighed. "I'm not going to apologize. I like her. I tried….to stop this." He said motioning between himself and the living room. "But. I think she made progress today, and well…it was an amazing time."

"Stop. I don't want to hear all the details. That's my niece Jeremy."

"I know who she is." Jeremy said. "God, Ric, you don't think I know who she is? I'm not going to apologize. She enjoyed herself today. That's what's important."

Alaric blew out a breath. "Okay." He was starting to calm down. "At least tell me you used protection."

Jeremy sighed and ran his hands over his face, that guilt washing over him.

"You didn't. Are you serious? No condom Jer? Have I not taught you anything? At least did you-"

"No I did not." Jeremy said. "I thought you didn't want all the details."

"Oh god, no I don't want to know anymore. This is just too much. You fucked my niece, and-"

"She was a virgin, and-"

Alaric closed his eyes. "My god Jer. You're making this situation worse. Way worse." He ran his hands over his face. "Okay. Um. I'm going to leave. I'm going to the Grille. I'm going to drink this into a fog, and when I get back home, I want her dressed and you dressed, and we're never going to speak of this again."

Jeremy nodded. "But what if I want…to see her again."

Alaric looked at her, with a 'come on dude' look. "I hope to god you are joking right now."

"I'm not. I really like her."

"She's not…stable Jer. This isn't a good idea. For you or for her." Alaric warned.

Jeremy looked towards the living room. "She's stronger than you know, and she knows. She's not a child Ric, don't treat her like one. She had a fantastic time, so did I and you know what, it will happen again, because I know that what I felt was amazing, and she felt it too. So- "

"She tried to kill herself Jer. Not that long ago." Alaric said softly.

Jeremy nodded, looking down at his own wrists, the ones that held his scars. "Okay. And I didn't?" He said and looked at Alaric. "I'm okay. I'm in a good place, and she needs this comfort to get her to the place she needs. Isn't that what you told me? People need comforts to get themselves out of the pit that they fell in. Just because she's your niece, doesn't make your words any less true."

Alaric sighed. "You're right." He said and shook his head. "No condom. Seriously? Jer, you're still young. What if she gets pregnant?"

"She's on the pill." Jeremy said with a nod. "She's- "

"Regardless of that, things like this aren't a 100%. Just because."

"Then that was a chance we took, and I'm not going to say sorry for it. Do you want to keep arguing about this, or do you want to go have a drink at the Grille, so I can get dressed, and wake her up so she can eat?"

Alaric studied him a moment. "Fine. Just know that I'm upset." He said and then he turned and grabbed his keys from the hook by the door and left.

Jeremy sighed, running a hand through his hair before he went back to the couch and sat down. He watched how peaceful she was, laying there asleep. He hated to disturb her. He brushed his fingers through her hair lightly, and she started to stir. She blinked, looking up at Jeremy, who was watching her.

"Hmm?"

"It's dinner time." Jeremy said softly.

"Oh…. yeah, we should probably eat." Bella said, and sat up, the blanket falling, and now she was exposed to him.

Jeremy smiled, and then reached over, and cupped her face, before he leaned in and kissed her. "How are you feeling?" He murmured.

"Good. A little sore, but that's normal right?" Bella asked.

Jeremy nodded. "Yeah. First times can be sore." He said and then leaned back. "Let's get dressed." He said and started to stand, but she reached for him, pulling him back to her, and she undid his towel. He smiled against her lips. "Okay, you're naughty." He murmured.

"Maybe." She said and then he was leaning back with her against the couch, his cock thrusting up into her. She gasped as he took her, climbing towards their orgasms together. When they both peaked, she shuddered under him, feeling like total bliss. He kissed her softly, before sliding out of her, and they pulled on their clothes. She used the bathroom before they went down to the SUV, and they went to the Grille.

[The Grille]

Bella parked outside and she smiled over at Jeremy. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For…. helping me. I do feel better. Maybe everything isn't just one big dark hole."

Jeremy smiled at her and leaned over and kissed her again softly. "I'm happy that you're feeling better."

Bella nodded, smiling, before she got out of the SUV, and Jeremy followed. They went inside, and everything was busy, and that made Jeremy frown. He knew what was coming the moment Callie spotted him.

"No no, Callie. No. I'm off today." Jeremy said when she rushed up to him.

"Vicki left early, and it's just Matt. Please." Callie was a shorter woman, in her thirties and was the night manager at the Grille. She had bleach blonde hair and hazel eyes. She was petite, and she always wore too much makeup Jeremy thought.

Jeremy looked at Bella. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. Um. I'll just sit at the bar." She said, finding her uncle. "Go help out." She said with a nod.

Jeremy nodded, and then left with Callie to grab his apron and get to work on his night off. He had worked six nights in a row, and this was his one night. But he would help because he knew that if it wasn't for Bella, that he would have jumped in immediately.

Bella went to the bar, sitting next to her uncle. "Hey." She said softly.

Alaric looked at his niece and nodded. "It's pretty slammed in here. Are you going to be okay around a lot of people?"

Bella swallowed and glanced around. "Yeah. I think so. I'm okay. Really. I think, I'm starting to feel better. Leaving Forks, was a good idea." She said with a nod.

"That's good. So, did you get paint today at all? I know you were talking about painting again."

"Yeah actually. I got some art supplies. I want to start painting more, it was one of my favorite things to do…before…. you know." Bella said, and then glanced up when another patron walked up, patting Alaric on the back. He had dark, raven black hair, and ice blue eyes.

"Hey Ric, fancy seeing you here." The man teased, a playful smirk on his face. He was wearing dark jeans and a dark, V-neck t-shirt. He was sort of beautiful to look at.

Alaric raised a brow and looked at his friend. "Damon. You're back in town. I though you were at Whitmore with Elena?"

"I was, she's all done with her tour, we got back not long ago. She wanted to go see Bon bon, and so I figured I would come see my best friend." Damon said, the bartender brought him a bourbon on sight.

Alaric smiled and then glanced to Bella. "Bella, this is my best friend, Damon Salvatore. Damon, this is my niece, Bella."

Damon looked to Bella, flashing a bright white smile. "Nice to meet you finally. Hope you like Mystic Falls."

"It's cool." Bella said with a nod and then Jeremy managed to make it to the bar, and she looked over at him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just swamped. Food?"

"Uh, sure. Hamburger and fries, seems easy enough." Bella said, and Jeremy nodded, running away to put in her food order and to grab her a soda. He returned with the soda, and then Alaric's nachos he ordered, and he looked at Damon, and hugged him from the side. "Nice to see you back. Tell Elena that I won't be home on time tonight, and I'll be late." He said and then he was dashing away.

Damon shook his head. "That boy never stops moving." He said and looked to Bella. "So, you're from Washington, right?"

Bella looked at her uncle, and he shrugged, and she looked back to Damon. "Yeah. Forks. Small town there."

"That's around Port Angeles, right?" Damon asked.

"Yeah, not too far." She said, and then watched Matt, the other waiter, rush by and drop a plate of food and Bella caught it quickly, balancing it back up on his arm.

"I'm so sorry." Matt was instantly apologizing. He was tall, like Jeremy, his hair a sandy blonde, and his eyes a navy blue. He favored Vicki, and it made Bella wonder if they were related.

"Not a problem. You have more food to run?" Bella asked.

Matt nodded. "Yeah."

Bella stood. "Uncle Ric. Tell Jeremy that I'm helping Matt." She said, glancing at Matt's nametag.

Matt frowned. "I couldn't ask for help."

"It's fine." Bella said and Matt showed her the order window, and she grabbed the plates of food and followed Matt to the table that hosted 14 people seated. Bella stood there quietly, holding plates of food, while Matt placed them in front of the right person.

When that was done, Matt turned to Bella. "Thanks a bunch. You are amazing." He said and rushed off to help his other table who were flagging him down.

Bella smiled a little, and turned and walked back towards the bar, when a woman grabbed her hand, making Bella turn to look.

"Hey sweetheart, we just sat a bit ago, but we haven't gotten our drinks ordered yet."

Bella nodded. "Alright. I'm sorry about that. What is it that you guys wanted?"

"I want a Coors, and he'll take a scotch. Thank you doll." The woman had been older, with graying hair, that looked like it was dark brown before, and her eyes were a steel color.

Bella went to the bar and looked at the bartender. "Um. Can I get a Coors and a scotch please?"

The bartender looked at her, and then made the scotch and then slid her the Coors, before filling Alaric's glass.

"Thanks." Bella said and grabbed the drinks and went back to the table and set them in front of the couple. "Did you guys want to order food, or did you need a couple of moments to look?"

"Nah, I think I want the burger and onion rings," the woman said and looked to her husband. "He'll have the Hawaiian chicken sandwich, and sweet potato fries, side of ranch, and hold the salt."

Bella nodded. "Sure thing. Any appetizers at all?"

"Yeah, you know what. The nachos would be great." The man said. "Thanks sugar." He said and Bella took the menus off the table and then flagged down Matt. "Um. The couple at…." She turned and gestured to the table. "I took their order."

Matt blinked a few times. "Shit, I knew I forgot a table. I'm so sorry."

"Not a problem. I just don't know…how to put the order in, because I don't work here, but the woman wants a burger and onion rings, and the man wants the Hawaiian chicken sandwich, with sweet potato fries, 86 the salt, and then a side of ranch. And nachos for the app." Bella recalled their order from memory.

Matt reached over and hit something on the monitor they were standing next too, and he swiped a card, and tapped the screen. "Hawaiian chicken?"

"Yes."

Matt punched all that in. "What did they have to drink?"

"The woman has a Coors, and the man is drinking scotch. I was going to bring them water." Bella said. She was tapping her hand against her leg, her nervous tick that she got when she was anxious.

Matt nodded. "Okay, awesome. Let me grab Callie, do you think you can help spin some tables?"

"Sure." Bella said, looking around. "I used to waitress…at the café in my town."

"Good. I'll tell Callie, thanks so much for the help. What was your name?"

"Bella." She said with a nod.

Matt smiled. "Bella. Go ahead and grab those waters, and I'll get you a card." He said and then left to find Callie quickly.

Bella blew out a breath and then went to the drink station and fixed two waters. Jeremy found her there.

"Are you working right now?" Jeremy asked. "Because Ric said, you went to help Matt, and then here you are." He said with a smile, as he filled up a cup with ice.

"Well, Matt seemed really frazzled, and you are running around a lot. So…. I figured why not. I used to be a waitress before…. back in high school…. a long time ago, but I guess it's still the same kind of work. I just don't know the system." She said and then disappeared with the water, taking it to the table, and then Matt was behind her with nachos. The couple seemed to be happy, and then she followed Matt back to the drink station.

"Alright, here's a card to log into the system. It's a duplicate under me since you're not in the system. The table numbers are counted counterclockwise from the door starting with one, and the bar is separate. The party room is separate, and Jeremy is handling it. Stick to the bar area, and these high tops. If you get overwhelmed, by all means tell me. Callie is in the kitchen, so if you need help with orders, yell at her. You're Ric's niece, right?"

"Yes."

"Nice to meet you. Ric talks about having a niece. Says you're really smart and talented. Good luck, and if you need anything, please ask." Matt said, before disappearing to handle another table.

Bella looked at the card and blew out a breath.

Jeremy found her again. "You, okay?"

"Yeah, just composing myself. I don't like people." She said and looked at Jeremy. "I'll be okay." She reassured. She had to be.

Jeremy frowned. "You're taking on a lot. You don't need to move so fast."

"I need to. If I stop now, I'll pass out." Bella said with a small smile. "You have a table." She said with a nod, and then she went to the pickup window to check on the couple's food, and it was ready, so she brought it to the table, setting it down in front of them. "Can I get you another Coors, or another scotch?" She asked politely.

"Yeah, I'll take more scotch. Thanks doll." The man said, and the woman just smiled and shook her head.

Bella nodded and went to the bar, and got more scotch for the man, and then she went to another table, when they sat. "Hi, I'm Bella. Can I start you guys off with some drinks tonight?"

"Yeah, Root beer, and a coke." The man said simply, and picked up the menu.

Bella nodded, and then went to the drink station, grabbing those drinks and bringing them back. "We have nachos that are popular tonight, would you like an order, while you look over the menu?"

The man smiled. "Sure, that'll be great. Thanks Bella." He said with a nod and looked over the menu. She passed by another table and noticed it was Klaus. It forced her to stop.

"Oh. You just sat. Can I get you something to drink?" Bella asked, feeling nervous again around him.

Klaus offered her a smile. "Hmmm. This is fascinating. A bourbon love. That's all. I didn't come to eat." He said with a wink, and she swallowed, and nodded, before going to put in the order for the nachos. The screen wasn't hard to maneuver. It was set up rather simple. She grabbed Klaus his drink and set it on the table and then she ran back to the window and grabbed the nachos and brought them back to the table.

"Do we need a few more moments, or are we ready to order? Bella asked politely.

"Nah, I think we know what we want. Can I get the fish sandwich, plain, and then the onion rings?" The man ordered.

"I'll take the cobb salad." The woman said with a smile, and they handed Bella their menus. Bella hadn't been writing anything down. She was just going based on her memory. She went back and put the order in, having a slight problem finding the fish sandwich.

Jeremy was behind her then, and he leaned against her from behind, looking over her shoulder. "What are you looking for?"

"Fish sandwich."

Jeremy tapped the screen, and it went into a sub menu. "There you go." He said with a smile.

Bella smiled a little, and then she tapped the screen, finishing the order. "Thanks." She said and turned and looked at him. "Is it always this busy?"

"Yeah. But it's dying down now. The parties have left, and the ones now are going to be the late stragglers." Jeremy said and then they moved towards the drink station, and she grabbed refills for her tables, and he did the same.

When it finally died down enough to be manageable, Callie came out to find Bella.

"Oh, thank god for you. You were a lifesaver tonight. Thanks so much for pitching in." Callie said, clearing stressed that tonight had been so busy.

Alaric was smiling, he was proud of his niece. He hadn't anticipated her jumping in like that, but she had, and he would have to tell his brother at the progress she's made in just a short time.

"Of course. I'm sorry that I don't know all the tables and whatnot."

Callie waved a hand. "Not a problem. Jeremy said you never wrote a single thing down. That's impressive. You've been a waitress before."

"Yes ma'am. I worked at the small café in my hometown. Nothing this busy, but I figured it's like riding a bike." Bella explained. This was the most she had spoken since he left. Her anxiety was starting to catch up to her, so she swallowed and took a step back. "I'm going to step outside and get some air though." She said. "If you need more help, just let me know." She said and disappeared out front, hoping that no one saw the anxiety on her face. She welcomed the night air, as she stepped outside and she closed her eyes, hoping to keep the tears at bay, and to keep herself from having an anxiety attack.

She was then joined by someone else. She felt their presence, and she opened her eyes to see Klaus standing before her.

"Are you okay?" Klaus asked, his voice sincere.

"I uh…. no." Bella admitted.

"I can sense some anxiety in you. Is it because of all the people?"

Bella swallowed. "Oddly, yes. It's finally catching up to me. I don't like to be around a lot of people, and tonight…."

"I see. Then why help?"

"Because…. they needed it. I can't be afraid forever, so I thought…I thought maybe this…. I don't know."

"You thought that maybe helping would prove something? Your Ric's niece, and he is a psychologist. You came here to stay with him, because you are having these anxiety issues because of a…. past boyfriend?"

Bella looked away and then back at Klaus. "Maybe."

"Hmm. And the scars on your wrist."

Bella forgot that she had taken her sweater off, and now she was subconscious. Jeremy hadn't noticed them, and she was thankful for that. But Klaus was observant it seemed. "I uh…I went through a really bad breakup." She managed to stammer out.

Klaus nodded. "You're very beautiful Bella. I'm sorry that earlier, it seemed that I didn't think so."

Bella looked up at him, his ocean blue eyes were kind, and contradicted everything he said about himself earlier. "I'm really sorry."

"Why are you sorry?"

"For making assumptions. I'm…. I came here to escape my past life, and I started falling backwards into it." Bella admitted. Anytime she thought about…. him…she felt like she was backsliding.

"I see." Klaus said with a nod. "It's I, that is sorry. I offended you earlier today, and I didn't mean to. Of course, I find you very attractive, it's just, I also see your scars, and I don't want you to run away from me. Despite my nature, I saw something in you that intrigued me, and still does." He offered a smile.

Bella looked away, thinking about earlier today, how she left and ran into Jeremy and then…. she broke down some walls. It was nice, and she was glad it happened in a sense. She looked back at Klaus. "Thank you."

Klaus chuckled a little. "Apologizing and thanking me. Careful love, you're going to give me whiplash." He teased, and then reached a hand up and brushed her hair back out of her face. "You're more than your scars. Don't forget that. When you feel overwhelmed with people, take a step back and just breathe. Breathing is the most important thing you can do." He said softly and then dipped his head down, his lips brushing hers.

His lips buzzed against hers, and it shocked her at the sensation that traveled through her, and her lips parted for him, and he took the invitation. Her hands moved up, brushing up his chest to his shoulders and clung to him a moment.

Klaus heard someone clear their throat and he pulled back to look up at Alaric. "Ah, Ric. Fancy seeing you here."

Alaric raised a brow, and then looked at his niece. "I came to check on Bella. Are you okay?"

Bella felt slightly embarrassed, but she nodded. "Yeah, I'm better now."

Alaric nodded. "Well, I'll be here a little longer tonight, if you want, I can go ahead and leave and we- "

"No, no. Have drinks with your friend. I'll be okay. Promise." Bella said with a nod.

Alaric hesitated, glancing to Klaus and then his niece. "Okay." He said and went back inside.

Bella looked back at Klaus. "Um. Thanks for helping me. I should- "

"Come home with me." Klaus said.

"W-what?" Bella squeaked.

Klaus grinned a little, putting a hand in his front pocket as he stood casually in front of her. "It's an invitation to my home, Bella. I have a room of art; you might fancy taking a look."

Bella wasn't sure. She bit her lip and Klaus took notice, and for some reason he wanted to be the one biting her lip. He reached forward and tugged her forward towards him, his mouth dropping to hers. The kiss was startling to say the least. Bella's eyes were wide at first, but they fluttered shut, as she kissed Klaus back. She wasn't sure why she was even doing this. Her heart raced wildly in her chest, and then Klaus was pulling back, clearing his throat.

"Little Gilbert, was there something I could help you with?" Klaus asked, looking over Bella, to Jeremy, who had come outside for some reason.

Jeremy swallowed. "No. I was just…"

Klaus raised a brow. "Hmm. Checking on Bella. I see. Well, is she needed inside the diner?"

Jeremy shook his head. "No. She's not."

Bella turned to look at Jeremy, seeing a strange look on his face. "Jeremy. I- "

"Have a good night, Bella. I was just making sure you were okay." Jeremy offered a smile, and then went back inside.

Bella blew out a breath and then looked at Klaus. "Klaus…I…I don't know."

Klaus smiled at her and reached up and brushed the hair back out of her face. "You're not hurting my feelings if you tell me no."

"Just to look at art?"

"If that's what you want. I am a talented artist afterall." Klaus said with a grin.

Bella studied him a little longer, and then nodded. "Sure. I'll…. go take a look." She said.

[Klaus's Mansion]

Bella hadn't anticipated how large the house would be. She looked around, studying the beautiful modern Victorian architecture, and how elaborate it was. She followed Klaus into what he called the art room, and it was amazing. He had paintings covering the walls, all original art from the look of the signature on the paintings, and it was amazing. Bella didn't know if she had ever seen art in person this amazing before. She saw his easel set up, by the large triple paned windows and she looked at the canvas. It was the start of some sort of landscape, that Bella thought looked beautiful.

"When I visited the Alps, that scene was the most breathtaking scene." Klaus said, and then walked over to a liquor cart, and took out bourbon and poured two glasses and brought one glass to Bella and handed it to her.

Bella took it, but her eyes didn't leave the canvas. "Your technique is just….amazing." She was impressed with his art.

Klaus smiled and lifted his glass to his lips. "I've been painting for a long time." He admitted and then set his glass down, tucking both hands in his pockets now. "So, you're an artist. What sort of things, do you paint?"

Bella took a drink of the bourbon, the burning feeling was welcomed, and she remembered the taste well. She looked at Klaus. "Whatever I see in my mind. Mostly abstract, but that was a long time ago. I was thinking about getting back into it, hence the art supplies." She explained. Her nerves jumped around a little, as memories of him came back, and she shoved them away.

Klaus frown. "I apologize that I make you nervous. You don't have to be, around me. I don't pass judgements."

Bella blew out a breath. "I would be lying if I said you didn't make me nervous…but you do. I'm not in a great place. I want to be, but I'm not. I have a lot of issues Klaus. More than you can possibly guess."

"Hmm. Well, everyone has issues Bella. It's how you handle them that matters. The scars on your wrist tell me that you attempted to disappear from those issues…but you were saved. Do you want to talk about that?"

Bella looked down at the dark amber liquid in her glass. "Maybe. I don't know. I should talk about it…Uncle Ric…he's a Psychiatrist or….Psychologist or whatever. I know that part of the reason my dad wanted me to come here, was to get help. To talk it out with Uncle Ric, because he's better equipped in handling this sort of thing."

"So, why not talk to Ric?"

"Because he's my uncle." Bella sighed. "I just don't want him to see this part of me because I don't want to be a disappointment…or at least more than I already am."

Klaus listened to her, hearing the sadness in her voice, the small tremor that highlighted her anxiety. "Ric's not one to be disappointed. He's at least not disappointed in you. He talks highly of you. I imagine because you are a bright young woman, talented and smart. Don't let the past define who you are Bella. Whoever broke you, is not worth the pain you go through."

Bella lifted her glass, drinking down the liquid fast, feeling her heart race a little as she thought about it. "It's much harder than it looks."

Klaus moved to her, taking the empty glass from her and set it on the table that hosted his paints. "I imagine it is." He murmured. "Doing the right thing…is always the hardest. You walked away from your home to start fresh."

"I did. I want to…not be broken anymore, but I just…." Bella sighed. "What if I'm too broken?"

"Nothing is ever too broken love. Anything can be fixed with enough perseverance." Klaus said and then took her hand and lifted it, turning it palm up to show one of her scar. "You were determined to numb the pain. Yes?"

Bella nodded, tears coming to her eyes.

"You wanted to take your life. You were serious about this?"

Bella nodded again, the tears falling now.

"You are fortunate you survived. These scars…the direction of them." Klaus murmured and then he kissed her wrist, his eyes not leaving hers. "What is it you want the most right now?"

"To be normal."

"And what is normal?"

Bella let the tears continue to fall. "Just a girl, who can smile, and be free. A girl that doesn't have this weight on her chest because some boy broke her heart. I want to be able to love without fear." She shuddered a little.

Klaus leaned forward, his lips connecting with hers again. Her lips parted and his tongue swept in, tangling with hers and she leaned in against him, letting his mouth consume her.

Bella felt the need between her legs, the early arousal, that she felt earlier today when she was with Jeremy. How he had been gentle with her, showing her how sex could be, but then with Klaus, was a carnal desire. One that she didn't know she could feel. Klaus's mouth left hers, going to her throat, and she moaned slightly, his breath hot against her skin.

Klaus then hoisted her up, her legs wrapping around his waist, and he moved with her from the room, carrying her up the white stairs, his mouth on hers again, until he moved into another room. It was large, a king sized bed centered against the long wall in the room. The furniture was all white, like the rest of the house it seemed, but the blankets on the bed were silver and black. A modern design, that looked expensive. He lay her on the bed, leaning up to rip his shirt off, revealing his toned chest, his abs, and his perfect chest.

Bella watched, her eyes dilating at the sight of him. He pulled her shirt off and over her head, ripping her bra down the front, freeing her. It excited her as his hands moved over her body quickly, getting her naked in bed under him. His mouth went back to hers, and he kissed her hard, a passionate kiss, one that stole her breath, before he moved down her body, his mouth tasting her breast, and then down to her moist core. She gasped and moaned as his tongue moved over her clit, drawing her in, and sending pleasure through her entire body. Her hands tangled in the sheets, and her hips moved to his mouth. He ravaged her, sending thrill after thrill through her, making her moan and writhe in the sheets, until she threatened to spill over.

He withdrew, getting a whimper from her, and he smiled down at her. "Don't worry love, you'll get to cum." He said and took his own pants off, and he was naked. His cock was large, and that sent some sort of excitement through her for some reason, and then he positioned himself outside her entrance, his tip pressing against her folds. He toyed with her, gathering more moans, until he shoved up inside her, hearing the sharp gasp and moan as she exploded on his cock instantly. She shuddered again, his hips thrusting into her fast and hard now, jolting her with every stroke. Passion built between them, and Klaus leaned down, his mouth on hers again as he pushed her over the edge again, and he drank in her moans. He pressed faster and faster, burying his face in her neck, as he pushed closer and closer until he was spilling out, deep inside her, coating her completely. It made her moan, the sensation crawling through her, and her breaths coming in pants.

Klaus stayed completely still for a moment, his cock throbbing from the explosive pleasure, before withdrawing. He stood, disappearing into a bathroom and returning with a towel, cleaning her up before he slid into bed with her. "So?"

"Wow." Bella murmured. She didn't have any words for it. She wasn't sure there were any words for how she felt right now.

Klaus smiled, chuckling a little. "Come now, you can tell me. This wasn't your first time, so tell me…how satisfied are you?"

"Completely." Bella said and looked over at him. "That was…just amazing."

Klaus smiled and rolled on his side to study her. "I admit I did not set out to do this tonight. I figured it would take me much longer to get to this point, but you surprised me."

Bella looked at him. "Do you sleep with a lot of women?"

"I think it's established that I do. I sleep with many women…and men." Klaus said. "Does that bother you?"

"Not as much as I think it should." Bella said.

"Hmm. But I'm not your first. Care to share?"

"Not really. Talking about sex with other people, after just having sex, doesn't seem like a good idea." Bella admitted.

"Fair enough." Klaus said and then leaned in and kissed her softly. "How do you feel right now?"

Bella thought about it. She wasn't really anxious anymore. She felt amazing, better than earlier at the Grille, where her anxiety reared it's ugly head. "Really good."

"Good." Klaus said and kissed her again. "I do suppose you want to get back home. Your car is at the Grille."

"Right." Bella said. "I should get home. Uncle Ric, will probably be worried."

Klaus smiled. "Indeed. If I had not told him I was bringing you here, then perhaps he would have been worried sick, but don't fret. I told your uncle that you were with me, and that I was showing you some art."

"I'm pretty sure he thinks that is code for what we just did."

Klaus smiled. "No love. I told him I sincerely wanted to help. That maybe art could. He doesn't know about this. He doesn't have to know."

"Good." Bella said with a nod. "Um. Thank you."

Klaus sat up in bed now and looked over at her. "Anytime love. Come now, lets get you dressed." He said, and got out of bed.

Klaus drove Bella back to the Grille, and they got out of his car. She turned and looked at him. "Truly. Thank you for tonight. I do feel better." She murmured, reaching up and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Of course." He said with a nod. "Bella…talk to your uncle…about things. It's healthier if you do." He said and then he kissed her softly once more before ducking back down in his own car and backing away.

Bella sighed, going towards the Grille, her stomach growling a little. She decided that she should really eat something before going back to the apartment. She walked back inside, and she saw her uncle at the bar with Damon still. The place had died down a lot, so she went to the bar. Alaric looked up at her.

"You look…not stressed." Alaric commented. "How did seeing Klaus's personal art gallery go?"

"Wonderful. His art is amazing. Uncle Ric, I have never seen such beautiful art like that before. It's really inspiring. I really think I can pick up art again." Bella said with a smile.

Alaric smiled, leaning up. Seeing the light actually meet his niece's eyes made him happy. He was glad that Klaus offered to help. "That's really good. I'm proud of you honey."

Damon smiled. "Yes, Klaus can be quite inspirational at times." He said with a nod and lifted his glass and took a drink.

Jeremy walked out from the kitchen, spotting Bella. He swallowed, looking away briefly, but then he sighed, and then put on his smile and walked over. "So. Coming back for more eh?"

Bella looked to Jeremy, her own smile faltered. She somehow felt that he was upset somehow inside. "Well, I was hungry…since I didn't eat earlier."

"Burger and fries coming right up." Jeremy said and then went to put the order in.

Alaric watched the light fade from Bella's eyes as she fell back into a shell. He frowned. "Hey…what's wrong?" He murmured, reaching a hand out and laying it on her shoulder.

Bella closed her eyes as the dark waves crashed in around her. The anxiety spiking. She was doing so well, and now, she was thinking about the pain that she had caused Jeremy, and that made her feel like shit.

Alaric stood when he felt her shake. "Damon, she's about to pass out." He said and Damon shot up off his stool, and he helped catch her before she could hit the floor. Alaric was a bit more drunk, and Damon was stronger, so he swung her up into his arms. "Take her to my apartment." He murmured. "I'll have Jeremy drive her car back." He said and then Damon nodded, leaving the Grille with Bella.

Jeremy returned and then frowned. "Hey, where'd Bella go?"

"Anxiety attack. Damon took her back to the apartment. Can you drive Bella's car home please?"

Jeremy frowned. "Yeah, of course."

Alaric nodded and handed Jeremy her keys he took from her pocket, and then left, getting in his car. He was safe enough to drive down a little ways to the apartment.

[Alaric's Apartment]

Alaric walked in, tossing his keys on the table and hurried to the couch that Damon set her on. "I don't get it. She was smiling and looked good when she returned from Klaus's. Something triggered her." He murmured.

Damon ran a hand through his hair. "Well, what are her triggers?"

"I don't know. I haven't found them out yet. She's really messed up after that guy. She's one of the worse cases I've had." Alaric admitted.

It didn't take long for Jeremy to get there. He walked in, setting Bella's keys down on the table next to Alaric's. "Is she okay?"

"Still out cold. She has extreme anxiety Jer. Sometimes, she gets triggered, and…. this happens." Alaric explained.

Bella groaned and stirred lightly. She opened her eyes, looking around. She saw that she was in the apartment and not at the Grille. "I'm sorry." She apologized and then her eyes landed on Jeremy, and her anxiety spiked again. "Jeremy…" she murmured.

Jeremy swallowed. "Hey. You gave us quite a scare. Are you okay?"

Bella shook her head. "No." She said her voice tight.

"What do you need me to do?" Jeremy asked, not looking at Damon or Alaric right now. He was only focused on her.

"I'm sorry." Bella said, tears coming to her eyes.

Jeremy didn't think, just reacted. He moved to her, crouching down in front of her, looking up at her, and he took her hands in his, his thumbs rubbing over the backside of her hands. "Hey, don't be sorry about a thing. I'm okay. See? Look at me Bella." He said softly.

"I can't."

"You can. Take some breaths. Deep breaths. Everything is okay." Jeremy coaxed.

Bella shook her head. "I can't."

"You can. Bella listen to me. Don't let the anxiety take over. Breathe, move through it." Jeremy continued rubbing over the back of her hands, but it didn't work, and she slouched forward, and Jeremy caught her, sighing, and easing her back down on the couch. He stood, running a hand through his hair.

Alaric ran his hands over his face. "Jeremy….what happened today?"

"Ric, I'm telling you. She was fine. Earlier, we talked, we….had sex…twice. But Ric, I promise you she was not anxious like this. She was perfectly fine. At the Grille she was anxious. All the people, and then she left to go outside at some point." Jeremy explained.

Damon raised a brow. "I have missed too much. You're sleeping with Ric's niece, and Ric, you let this happen?"

"I didn't let anything happen Damon. Bella is an adult, so is Jeremy…technically. I just want to know why she's sorry Jeremy. Was there something you said…or did?" Alaric asked.

Jeremy shook his head. "No. I haven't said anything that could be a trigger. At least I don't think so. What are her triggers?"

"I don't know." Alaric said, and then pulled his phone out and called Klaus.

"Dr. Ric. What do I owe this pleasure?" Klaus's voice sounded in Ric's ear.

"Bella has had an anxiety attack. Can you-" Alaric didn't get anything out, before Klaus hung up. He sighed. "Well…that was a bust." He muttered and looked at his niece's sleeping face.

Klaus was opening the door a short while later, and Bella was still passed out. He frowned, his eyes landing on her. "What happened?"

"Anxiety attack." Damon said. "Did you lose your hearing?"

Klaus walked forward. "She seemed fine when I dropped her back off at the Grille."

"I know. She was fine. She told me that your art was amazing, and she had this light in her eye, and she was calm." Alaric said.

Klaus glanced to Jeremy, who was staring down at Bella, worried. "Ah. Okay. I know what triggered her."

Everyone looked at Klaus now. "What?" Alaric asked.

"Jeremy did." Klaus said with a nod.

"How did I trigger her? She's been fine all day." Jeremy said, defensive.

"Hmm. It's not anything you did. It's what she did. And it triggered her when she saw you." Klaus said.

Alaric shook his head. "I don't understand."

Klaus sighed. "Well, since this is a health concern. Bella and I had a wild moment of passionate sex and I suspect that seeing the young Gilbert, brought back some sort of guilt, and it was too much, and therefore."

Alaric sighed. "Of course you slept with her. How did I not see that one coming?"

Klaus shrugged. "I am who I am. Trust me Ric, she was okay the whole time. I didn't use any bondage on her against her will."

Jeremy closed his eyes, and looked away, feeling angry inside, but he remained silent for now.

Damon just shook his head. "So, this has been an entertaining night. I will leave you three to discuss this more. I have heard more about Jeremy's sex life than I wanted to today, and Klaus as well, even though I'm sure I would have heard about it tomorrow at our weekly meeting, but still. Keep me out of this love triangle. I am going to go home to my very beautiful girlfriend, who is probably waiting for me in my bed. Ciao." He said and left.

Alaric looked at Klaus. "Klaus, did she say anything to you? I know you have a way to get people to talk."

"I did actually. Made great progress, that was before I took all her clothes off." Klaus said.

"I really don't want to hear this." Jeremy muttered.

Klaus raised a brow. "Oh, little Gilbert has feelings for our Swan."

"Klaus, not everyone is an emotionless robot." Jeremy retorted.

"Jeremy." Alaric warned.

"No. He does this all the time." Jeremy said. "He just sleeps with people, and let's them hurt."

Klaus snorted. "I assure you, no one leaves me bed sore hearted. Bella knew what I am before she climbed into bed with me. If I were you, I wouldn't focus on that part. She's hurting, deeply, and needs help. Adding more of your issues, with her own, is not healthy for her."

"And sleeping with her, what was that supposed to do? Huh? Was that a stab at me?" Jeremy asked.

"Oh dear Jeremy, I would never stab at you. I'm not a monster."

"Could have fooled me." Jeremy retorted.

Bella heard voices and she woke again, groaning again, and coming back to. She looked around, her eyes settling on Klaus first. "Klaus?"

"Ah, there you are love. You've had an anxiety attack." Klaus said and stood there, his hands in his pockets, standing casually like he normally did.

Bella swallowed and looked at her uncle. "Why did you call him?"

"I was trying to figure out what was wrong…" Alaric murmured softly. "I'm worried."

"I'm okay." Bella lied, and sat up.

Klaus raised a brow. "I surmise that you're not okay. Seeing Jeremy, caused some guilt, perhaps confusion because of what transpired between the two of us earlier today. Don't feel guilty, I am hard to resist." He said with a smirk.

Jeremy rolled his eyes, and looked at Bella. "I'm okay. I told you I was fine. You don't have to be guilty about anything. I don't own you Bella. I'm not…your boyfriend or anything. So-"

"It wasn't guilt." Bella said, cutting him off. "I was worried…is all." She said and then swallowed. "I'm okay so…please….just leave. I'm tired, and I just want to shower and get to bed." She said looking at Jeremy.

Jeremy nodded. "Sure. Okay. Um. Get some rest. I'm sorry…." He murmured and then he left quickly, before his own emotions took hold.

Alaric sighed, standing. "I'm going to check on him." He said and left, going after Jeremy.

Klaus studied Bella. "You lied. You feel guilty."

"How…"

"Because I am very good at reading people. Do you think that Ric is the only Psychiatrist in this town?"

"I thought you were an artist."

"I am." Klaus said with a nod. "But I am a doctor as well." He said and then walked over and sat down on the couch next to her. "Perhaps I should have had more control earlier. While I would say I regret it, I don't. Bella, you need to confront your feelings. Don't let them consume you like they did. Talk it out with the people who care about you. Don't hold it in and let it eat away until there's nothing left."

Bella shook her head. "Klaus. I don't know how to be normal. I want things to just work right, but anytime I'm overwhelmed, or anxious, I think about…him. And then the guilt…it's there not just because of Jeremy, but because of…"

"Your ex." Klaus said with a nod. "Does Jeremy remind you of your ex?"

Bella swallowed. "Sometimes. I know it's crazy…but Ed-" she started to say his name but stopped.

"Edward?"

Bella nodded. "He was sweet. At least in the beginning. He knew how to talk to me. I was this awkward girl, who hated to be the center of attention, but he somehow made me that. Anytime he walked into the room, everyone stared, because he was the most popular guy in school. Every girl wanted to be with him, and I was no different. I fell hard. I'm so in love with him that it hurts. He was….so brilliant, and there was nothing that I wouldn't do for him. His family…was my family, and I thought that one day, I would be part of that family fully, but he left…."

Klaus nodded. "He left you. Do you think it was because of you?"

"Yes. Because I'm this boring girl. He got bored with me. He was just passing through, with me. He gave me all this hope, all this love, that I when he shattered me, I wasn't sure who I was supposed to be anymore. I lost my identity…. still….I don't have it back. I am ruled by this pain in my chest. Ruled by the shadows that steal my breath and wreck my soul because I felt like I lost everything I loved the day he left."

"Love hurts unfortunately. We all find a way to cope. Some people cope better than others."

"I know, and I coped with pills, alcohol, and then ultimately, I slit my wrists, because the pain was too much to bear. My father watched me disappear into myself and become…. someone he didn't recognize. When he saved me and took me to the hospital…he was in so much pain. I had caused that pain. I broke my father, and I have no one to blame for that but myself."

Klaus shook his head. "Placing blame upon yourself…isn't going to heal you. You must accept things as they are. You were irrevocably in love with him. He broke your heart, and you must take that pain, and use it for something else. "

"What if I can't?"

"You are far stronger than you give yourself credit for." Klaus said. "Jeremy is a great guy. We might not like each other very well, because…we have history, but just know that Jeremy too, has been through a lot. He's in a great headspace now, and he fancies you. He has a similar story. My suggestion…is to talk about it with him."

"I hurt him by sleeping with you."

"Perhaps, but Jeremy is also stronger than you think he is." Klaus said. "Do you fancy Jeremy?"

"He's really sweet. I…do like him. I just moved here though, and I might just be transposing feelings onto him or something because he's safe." Bella said. "Or at least…I think he is."

Klaus nodded. "Alright, if he's a safe option, then talk to him. You can't heal until you move on. Jeremy is willing to help you move on, you just have to let him."

"But what if I feel safe with you?"

Klaus's eyes softened a little, and he smiled a little. "Little Swan, I am not safe. I most certainly will never be an option for you. I am far too brash of a person, and I have tendencies to sleep with multiple people, and sometimes, at the same time. I am by far, the worse person to get attached too."

"But you've helped me feel….better." Bella insisted.

"That may be true." Klaus said with another nod. "But Jeremy. He was your first time…yes?" He asked and she nodded. "You felt so safe with him. He was gentle I imagine, it's Jeremy, and you let him in. Before you let me in. Perhaps it is I, that you're transposing feelings onto."

Bella was silent. "You think he'll forgive me?"

"Love, there was nothing to forgive. You did nothing wrong." Klaus said and then reached over and took her hands in his. "I'm dangerous…Bella. That is the honest truth. I am a slippery slope that I don't want you to fall down. I satisfied a curiosity about you, and like I said, I don't regret it. I don't want you to regret falling for the wrong person. Your heart is still so fragile."

Bella swallowed. "I know."

"So, talk it out."

Bella looked down at their hands. "Jeremy made me forget about him for a moment. I finally fell asleep without a nightmare, and Jeremy did that."

"That's good."

"But you did too."

Klaus smiled a little. "Bella…"

"I know. I'm just….this mess." She said with a nervous laugh.

"I'll tell you what. Each week, meet me at Mystic Coffee Co., and we'll have coffee and have a chat. Let's say, Thursday mornings." Klaus said.

Bella's brows furrowed together. "Why?"

"Because, you need to talk about things, and I want to help. If you're not going to talk to Ric, at least, talk to me. I can officially make you a client, and that way there won't be the risk of falling into bed with each other." Klaus offered.

Bella thought about it and then finally nodded, agreeing to it. "Okay. Thursdays."

Klaus smiled. "Good. Now shower and get rest." He said and stood, patting her check softly before leaving.

Bella sat there, thinking about everything Klaus just said. She didn't find him dangerous at all. She didn't know how long it was that she was alone in her thoughts until Alaric walked in, breaking her thought bubble. She looked up at her uncle. "Uncle Ric…I'm sorry."

Alaric shook his head. "Bella, you're a grown woman and capable of making decisions. Jeremy…is important to me. I've known him a long time. I nearly married his aunt, and well…he's always looked up to me."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone."

"You didn't hurt anyone. At least…not this time. Bella, I want you to be happy and healthy. Bottling everything up, isn't healthy at all." Alaric said. "I need you to talk about things."

"I agreed to weekly meetings with Klaus. At the coffee shop to talk things out. He's taking me on as a client." Bella said, looking up at her uncle.

Alaric nodded. "Good. Klaus is exceptional at what he does. We wouldn't be partners if he wasn't. Just…be careful. Especially with Jeremy. I don't want you two backsliding all the progress you've both made."

"I won't…. I don't want to cause anyone pain. I'm in enough of that myself." Bella said and then looked down at her hands. "When I tried to kill myself… I thought that would bring Edward back." She finally said his name.

"But it didn't…" Alaric murmured.

"It didn't…and I feel stupid for thinking that it would." Bella said with a sigh. "I love him so much Uncle Ric. Still do. My heart…. hurts at the thought of him, and I just want him to come back." She nearly whispered.

Alaric went to her, sitting next to her, and then pulled her into a hug. "I know. I'm sorry that you're hurting. You'll get through this. Let us help you."

Bella knew that Alaric was right, that she would eventually get through this, she needed to let people help her.

[Two Weeks Later]

Bella was starting to feel like she was getting to a better place. She spent time with her uncle, talking about old memories from her childhood that she considered were fond memories. She picked up a couple shifts at the Grille to help Callie out when she was missing Vicki, who was Matt's older sister, and an apparent drug addict.

Jeremy and she were trying to get to know each other. But they were moving at a slow pace, which was recommended by both Alaric and Klaus and Bella felt happier.

"I don't know, I like sappy romances sometimes." Jeremy said as he got up from the couch after watching the Notebook with Bella. He moved to the kitchen and got drinks for both of them, and then returned.

Bella wiped her eyes a little. "I don't watch a lot of romance movies. That one had to be one of the saddest."

Jeremy chuckled a little as he sat down, handing her the drink. "That is not even the saddest movie I've seen. What Dreams May Come…. that's the next movie we're watching. That one…probably the saddest."

"Is your goal to make me cry all night?" Bella teased.

"No. But crying is healthy." Jeremy said and took a drink of his drink before setting it down on the coffee table.

Bella smiled and then took a drink of her own drink before setting it down. She then leaned in closer to him, and he noticed how her body language changed, and he smiled and leaned in too. Their lips grazed each other, softly at first. Then it changed, their tongues sliding against each other.

They had kissed a few times before, but that was it. Bella was opening up more to Jeremy, trying to move on from Edward, and Jeremy was helping her do that.

Jeremy was the one to pull back, because Bella's willpower wasn't as strong as his. He smiled, kissing her softly a couple times before he looked at her, pushing her hair back behind her ear. "Hmm. Talk to me. How are you feeling?"

"Really good. I'm not anxious at all." Bella said, and then kissed him again.

"Good." Jeremy murmured.

There was a knock at the door, and Bella pulled back. "I'll get that. Load up What Dreams May Come. We're watching it." She said and then went to the door and opened it. Her smile on her face vanished, as she stared back at the spring green eyes. The eyes that once captured her very soul when he looked at her.

"Edward…" She murmured, not sure this was even real.

"It's really me." Edward breathed, as he looked at her. Taking in how thin she had gotten.

Tears blinded Bella and she shook her head. "You can't be real." She said.

Jeremy walked up behind Bella. "Bella, who's at the door?"

Edward looked past Bella to Jeremy and frowned, before looking back at her. "Bella…how can you be here with another man?"

"Edward…. it's not like that." She started retreating into a shell.

"It certainly looks like it." Edward said, his temper flaring a little.

"Edward…I'm sorry." Bella hung her head low.

Jeremy shook his head. "No, she's not sorry." He said and reached for Bella, and pulled her behind him, facing off with Edward now. "Leave."

"Who the hell are you?"

"Her boyfriend. I know who you are, and you're not welcome here."

Edward snarled a little. "She belongs to me. She'll be coming with me."

Bella shook a little, her heart racing fast in her chest, and she felt dizzy.

"She's not going anywhere with you. You can't waltz back in her life and expect things to just be-"

"I'll go." Bella suddenly said, feeling scared of how Edward was looking at Jeremy right now. "I'll go. Let me just…get my bag."

Jeremy turned and looked at her appalled. "Bella…"

"Jeremy. Don't." Bella said, and then left, grabbing a bag and throwing a few things inside, and then returned to the door. "Tell Uncle Ric I'm sorry." She said, her eyes not meeting Jeremy's.

Edward looked smug, as he slid an arm around her shoulders and walked out with her.

Jeremy ran a hand through his hair, confused and angry of what just happened. His phone dinged, and he grabbed it, looking at it.

[Bella:] He's dangerous. I can't risk him hurting you. I'm so sorry that he showed up. Just know that I do care about you Jer, and hope that you forgive me.

She had set the text to send a few minutes after she wrote it in her room, before leaving with Edward.

Jeremy shook his head. "This can't be happening…" he muttered, and then he called Alaric. When Alaric answered, he spoke fast. "Bella has been kidnapped by Edward. He showed up and forced her out against her will."

"What? How did he find her?"

"I don't know. They just left a few minutes ago. Bella told me that he's dangerous. I don't know what to do." Jeremy sounded a little broken on the phone.

"I'll call Damon. He'll get to her faster." Alaric said, and then hung up.

Jeremy ran a hand through his hair and paced in the apartment. He wanted to hit something, but he refrained.

Bella was silent as she got in the car with Edward. She didn't know what to say or do. How was this happening when she finally felt somewhat normal after so long.

"There are reasons why I had to leave you Bella. Those things I said to you were a lie. I couldn't risk you getting you hurt again. After James….and Victoria, and then…your birthday party. I had to take time to figure out how to control myself. But I love you, Bella. Can't you see that?"

Bella swallowed and nodded. "I know. I know you do." She felt her chest constrict and her anxiety crashed around her. She wasn't sure she could stay conscious for this, but she was fighting. She could only think about Jeremy now.

Suddenly, Edward came to an abrupt stop. Glaring out the front window.

Bella's eyes were wide as she saw Damon and Klaus standing there. "How?"

Edward growled. "Because they're vampires. That's why." He said and got out of the car, slamming the door. "Move now."

Klaus raised a brow. "You sound so angry. Could it be perhaps you're kidnapping Bella, and we've foiled your plans?"

"I will kill you." Edward warned.

Damon started laughing, looking over at Klaus. "Do you want to tell him or should I?"

Klaus smirked a little. "I'll let you have this fun."

"You're what, 100? It's cute you think you can kill me, and hilarious that you think you can kill Klaus. I've got about 70 years on you bro, and Klaus has over a thousand on you. So, I suggest you let Bella go, or it's you that will die tonight."

Edward growled again. "I don't believe you. There's no vampires that old."

"Ah, well, I am the first of our kind."

"The first vampire. You want me to believe that?"

Klaus smiled a little, his eyes flashing gold. "Believe what you will, Edward, I am not just the original vampire, I am also an original hybrid. I won't ask again. Let Bella go, and leave, or your life will end, tonight."

Bella wasn't sure what was happening, but she stumbled out of the car, rushing towards Klaus, and Edward snagged her around the waist. "Let me go!" She screamed, panic filling her.

Klaus moved impossibly fast, his hand on Edward's throat. "Release her." His voice took on a colder edge, his golden eyes boring into Edward's green ones.

Edward released Bella, and she stumbled, and Damon caught her. "She's mine."

Klaus tilted his head. "No, she's not. She belongs to herself." He said and then his eyes focused, dilating as he stared into Edward's eyes. "You will forget about Bella, and leave the country. You will not return."

"Yes, I think South America sounds nice." Edward said mechanically.

Klaus patted his cheek and Edward got in his car after he released him, and he drove away. His eyes flickered back to normal, and he turned and looked at Bella. "Are you okay?" He was afraid he had scared her because she was shaking now, crying.

Bella had tears running down her face. She stared at Klaus with wide eyes and then she moved from Damon and went to Klaus, her arms going around him tight, and he hugged her back. "Thank you." She whispered.

"Little Swan, you're not afraid of me?"

"No." Bella sniffed, and leaned back to look up at him. "No, I'm not. Klaus, take me home please."

Klaus nodded, and then swooped her up in his arms. He looked at Damon. "Make sure he makes it to the airport."

Damon nodded. "Got it." He said and disappeared into the night.

Klaus carried Bella all the way back to her apartment, and stopped right outside, letting her down to her feet. "I'm sorry you had to go through this."

Bella shook her head, wiping her face and then she looked up at him. He was so dazzling sometimes, and Bella forgot who he was. She leaned forward, her mouth reaching up to his, kissing him.

Klaus kissed her back, feeling strange emotions rise in him. He wanted nothing more than to take her to bed, and ravage her, but he refrained. He pulled back. "Bella…Jeremy is inside."

Bella blinked a few times and looked at the door. "Right." She said and looked back at him. "Thank you for coming to me."

"Of course." Klaus said with a smile, and then opened the door, and Jeremy rushed towards her when she walked through. He pulled her into his arms, scared that Damon hadn't gotten to her in time.

Bella hugged Jeremy back, her anxiety almost becoming overwhelming. "Jer…I don't think I can do this."

"What?" Jeremy frowned, pulling back to look at her face. She was pale, scared, and tears were still rolling down her face.

"It's not fair to you to string you along. I kissed Klaus again…" Bella murmured.

Klaus closed the door behind him, and put his hands in his pockets. "Bella, we've talked about this before. I am not the right person. Don't- "

Bella turned and looked at him. "No. Don't do that. Don't explain feelings away because you are trying to protect me. I know I'm fragile, but I'm not stupid."

Jeremy reached for her again, gently. "Bella, it's okay. I understand."

"No, you don't." Bella looked back at Jeremy. "How am I supposed to be normal when I have feelings for both of you? Feelings I wasn't even sure I could have anymore, and I don't want to be hurt again, and I don't want to hurt anyone else."

"I do understand Bella. I've been there." Jeremy said. "I know how much it hurts to love Klaus."

Bella frowned, looking at Jeremy. "What?"

Klaus closed his eyes and then looked away. "Jeremy and I had…a sort of…."

"Relationship. You can say it Klaus. Don't act like it wasn't something."

"Is that why…. you don't like him?" Bella asked Jeremy.

Jeremy sighed. "Yes. But I know why you're drawn to him. I was too. Still…sometimes…but Bella, I don't want you to…be held back by me. I am broken too, and maybe- "

"Stop." Klaus said, the word coming out sharp. "Jeremy. I loved you." He said softly. "Still do. That is why I stopped what we were doing because it wasn't fair to you. You have a life to live. I've lived several lives. I was the one holding you back, so I ended it because…. I love you."

Jeremy swallowed and looked away from Klaus. "You made me think I was crazy."

Bella looked at Klaus, who seemed sincere, and sad. "We can all love each other…" she murmured.

Jeremy looked to her, confusion spread over his face, but Klaus smiled.

"You are quite naughty." Klaus said.

Bella blushed, thinking about being in bed with both Jeremy and Klaus at the same time.

Jeremy understood now and his eyes met Klaus's. "Is she suggesting…"

"Oh yes." Klaus said. "The offer is quite tempting."

Bella swallowed. "I'm a terrible person." She said and looked down at her hands.

"No, you're not." Jeremy stepped forward, moving around her, and then lay a hand on Klaus's chest. "She's not a terrible person."

Klaus studied Jeremy a moment before he kissed him, softly. Their lips touching sent tingles through Klaus, like his kiss with Bella a couple weeks back. He wanted all of this.

Bella watched Jeremy kiss Klaus, and that excited her, watching them.

Jeremy pulled back slightly, his breathing shaky. "Let's go to bed." He murmured, and Bella nodded, and they went to her room, and they shut the door.

The passion was nearly blinding, their clothes being dumped in a pile in the floor, as they went to bed. Klaus and Jeremy took turns, their mouths moving over Bella's body, and it was electrifying. Bella moaned and arched up against their mouths, and they spoiled her, something that she could get used to.

"Go on love, take her." Klaus murmured in Jeremy's ear, and Jeremy nodded, moving up Bella's body, his mouth kissing her while he shifted, pushing his cock inside her. She moaned against his mouth as he filled her up completely. He thrust into her slow and deep, causing her to tighten around him and burst open again. Then Klaus was behind Jeremy, his mouth on his neck, kissing him, making Jeremy moan. Klaus's hands moved down his body, caressing him gently everywhere, and then Jeremy pulled out of Bella, repositioning her on top of him now, so Klaus could kiss her.

She wasn't sure she was doing it right, but she slid down over Jeremy's slick shaft, while facing Klaus. His mouth met hers, kissing her, while his hands traveled over her body, moving over her clit while Jeremy filled her up tight. She clenched around Jeremy tight, and she moaned again. Klaus moved down, his mouth kissing over her collarbone, her breast, and then her wet core, his tongue flicking over her clit fast, his hands massaging Jeremy until Bella moaned loudly, rushing over Jeremy hard, as her orgasm ripped through her.

Jeremy moaned, Klaus's touch, and Bella's tight cavity squeezing him to pleasure. "Bella, move your hips for me baby." Jeremy said, and Bella complied, sliding over Jeremy repeatedly, fast, and hard, until he was busting open. "God…. Bella." He gasped as he emptied himself inside her completely. She came to a stop, and slid off him, and turned smiling at him, and then Klaus had her on her hands and knees before sliding into her from behind. His thrusts were so powerful, jolting her with every push. Jeremy recovered to sit up, kissing her before his mouth moved to Klaus and their tongues melted together while Klaus thrust into Bella fast, and hard, until she was spilling out again. Klaus thrust into he deep, emptying himself, and moaning when he did.

After a few moments, Klaus detangled himself from her, and they all collapsed to the bed, together. Bella snuggled in the middle of Jeremy and Klaus, and was quiet until she was fast asleep.

Jeremy felt the shift in her body, and the change in her breathing. "She's sleeping."

"Hmm. That was very satisfying." Klaus murmured, and looked over at Jeremy. "How do you feel?"

"I'm not sure yet. I want more Klaus, you know that."

"I know."

"Can you be with both of us?"

Klaus was quiet for a while. "I believe so. Jeremy…I love her. I love you. These last two weeks, I've talked to her. She's been through a lot. Tonight, she was almost a memory. If Ric hadn't called Damon, and me right there, I'm not sure what would have happened. I'm glad that she was here, with you, when he came for her."

Jeremy nodded. "You made him leave?"

"I did. He won't be back. He won't remember Bella."

"Good." Jeremy said and then shifted closer to Bella, and Klaus pulled the blanket up over them. "You really love me?"

"I do Jeremy. I know I…. I know I messed up. But I hope you can forgive me one day." Klaus said with a smile.

Jeremy nodded. "Yeah. I think I can. Don't disappear again? Especially now."

"I won't." He murmured.

Soon they were all sleeping, cuddled with each other in perfect bliss. Bella still had a long road ahead of her, but at least now, she had support to get her where she needed to be. Even if it was with both Klaus and Jeremy.