Hello, kiddos! I welcome you to the 7th chapter of Tangled in Strings! I hope you're enjoying it so far, I know I am enjoying writing it. My muse is lazy as fuck and rarely feels like writing anything but I usually always have a soft spot for this story so that's rather refreshing, I'd say.

Anyway, I am currently sick like a dog so that fucking sucks. But, alas, the time I get to stay in bed is actually pretty fucking awesome. Also, did I mention that we made it to 7,000 total views on this story? If I didn't then I'll have you know that we have and just... wowza.

But, I won't bore you with my complaints and whims, how about we get to answering a few reviews, hmm?

ADPhoenix: Why thank you ~ And I believe you can expect another meeting between the two of them soon... perhaps sooner than you'd think.

Kami no Kage-Sama: Hmm, how do I phrase this without giving too much away... apart from natural seduction she can also control the mind. Kinda like compulsion except a bit different as she can't erase memories or change stuff like that, only able to control someone's actions, MAKING them want to do stuff for her or whatever. If you've ever seen or heard of the amazing Jessica Jones show on Netflix, Daeva's ability is like the main villain's.

Her blood also has an addictive quality to it in regards to vampires as well as some... other properties. ;) In regards to something that can protect her for vampires, well, she can use her type of 'compulsion' on vampires and she is also stronger than you'd think at first glance. That's all I can really say, haha.

BrittStar1199: Hahaha, thank you! Daeva is definitely a bad bitch, and I LOVED writing her response to Elena. SOMEBODY had to tell her off and Daeva was well up to the task, I'd say.

Hpuni101: Thank you kindly. And yeah, I love the relationship between her and Jeremy. I want them to be very close and kind of break the social constructs of what a brother-sister relationship should be like. For them, it's a bit more complicated and it'll be shown as we go along, haha.

Well, now that we've finished that... LET'S MOVE ONTO THE INFORMATIVE PARTS!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Vampire Diaries at all. I only own my characters and any/all original characters and plotlines I create.

WARNING: There will be drug and alcohol use. Along with sex. Lots of sex. And violence. Plenty of violence. Not into that? Yeah, you may want to leave now.

Info:

-Pinterest: WhovianRandom14

-YouTube: Bubblegum Edits (For trailers and character shorts - Request stuff and all that.)

Schedule: Something every Sunday. (Hopefully) Not necessarily this fic.

((Also, I've made a little short thing for this story on the YouTube Channel so check it out when you get the chance, okay?))

+TiS+

"Hey! In her heart there's a hole.
There's a black mark on her soul.
In her hands is my heart,
And she won't let go 'till it's scarred.
Ha! Tried to breathe but I can't,
'Cause the air she feeds me is damned.
Got a touch like a thorn,
'Cause the girl she's hiding horns.

She got blood cold as ice,
And a heart made of stone.
But she keeps me alive.
She's the beast in my bones.
She gets everything she wants,
When she gets me alone.
Like it's nothin'.
She got two little horns,
And they get me a little bit-"

-Horns by Bryce Fox

+TiS+

"A-ah, p-please leave me alone. I-I know what you've done and p-please don't explain. I don't want to hear i-it."

Angela's tone was weak and quiet, sounding unconvincing to even her own ears. She tightened her grip on her dress, knuckles practically turning white from the tight grip. She chewed on her bottom lip, the unfamiliar taste of lip gloss made her nose scrunch up unconsciously.

"Come on, Angie! You know how much I wanted to get on the team. I've worked my ass of all summer! I think that this is a little more important than us... what? Sitting with your bore of a family to play Monopoly? Come on, get real. I know he was your first or whatever but it's really no big deal. You guys are over and I get a good word for me put in. A win for us both, you see?"

The rough voice on the other hand made Angela frown, shoulders hunching as she bowed her head. The berating words from her so-called friend only served to make her feel more and more like shit. To the point where even she started questioning herself.

M-maybe this isn't a big deal?

I-I mean, I know she worked really hard and even gave up sugar and dieted to be in perfect shape.

Am I being selfish?

Is this my fault?

Am I holding her back?

Angela's thoughts began to grow more frantic. Even as people walked past her on their way into the school building, she remained seated firmly and stiffly on the bench, phone pressed to her ear and eyes looking suspiciously watery.

But, no one stopped for her.

No one stopped to ask if she was okay.

No one cared.

No one cared except...

Before Angela could open her mouth and force out a response, her phone was suddenly jerked out of her hands. For a moment, Angela just sat there dumbly, blinking slowly before it finally hit her as to what happened. Practically tripping in her rush to get up, she would have fallen on her face if it weren't for a firm grip on her arm, keeping her up.

Words on her tongue, Angela looked up to see... she blanched.

Daeva Gilbert.

Standing tall and proud, dressed in an outfit Angela would never be able to pull off in her wildest dreams and in heels that would've forced Angela to crawl around like a baby... there was Daeva. Angela's protector.

Her mistress.

Her muse.

Her one and only.

Her savior.

The love of her life.

Said love of her life was staring down at the phone in unrelenting disgust, darkened eyes peering down at the contact photo with such intensity that Angela half-expected the phone to burst into flames.

But, it didn't.

Daeva simply scoffed, seemingly paying no mind to the deeper voice on the other end demanding answers. Instead, she raised the phone to her ear, only pausing to adjust her grip on Angela so that her hand was on Angela's shoulder instead of her arm.

"Ah, Sawyer, is it? Yes, yes, that was it. Apologies for interrupting your unintelligent and meaningless ramblings but you see, you and I have a problem. Now, I could honestly care less about whatever you do in your personal life or whatever you do to find success. Trust me, I can't judge. And would almost appreciate your resourcefulness if it weren't for the fact that, through your actions, you hurt someone very special to me."

Angela felt like she was going to pass out as she suddenly became hyper aware of what was happening. She stared up at Daeva with wide eyes, mouth opening and closing but no sound escaping. Regardless, Daeva tossed her a look that made Angela bow her head, any thoughts of speaking gone before they could fully form.

"I mean, your plan was a bit trashy but no matter to me. Sleep with the brother of one of the higher-ranked cheerleaders, have him put in a good word for you, and show that you are above the rest. Yadayadayada, lean back and enjoy popularity. And you knew this would hurt Angela. How could it not? Opening your legs for the man Angela was obsessed with for about 2 years straight. The man she lost her virginity to. But oh no, you just didn't care."

Angela peered around, almost expecting to receive stares but everyone seemed content with just making their way into the building or loitering around in groups, Angela and Daeva barely receiving a glance.

"Now, I don't know if you know this but... Angela is under my protection. She is mine. And you distressed her, nearly made her cry." Daeva thumb stroked Angela's cheek soothingly, the younger girl nearly turning into a puddle on the concrete at the touch.

"But, I'm in a good mood. So, I'll let you go with a warning: If you talk to, come near, try to communicate, or even look at Angela..." Daeva's lips quirked up into a rather humorless smile, eyes cold. "... Well, you've heard of me. The name is Daeva, never forget it. And you know damn well what I am capable of. Do not test me. It will be one of the last things you do, that is a promise."

Seemingly pleased at what she heard on the other end, Daeva gave a mumbled 'Good' under her breath before saying one last thing. "Also, if you're going to be a 2-faced whore... at least make one of those faces pretty."

Click!

"T-thank you, Daeva."

Accepting her phone from Daeva, Angela's head remained bowed as she clutched the small device to her chest.

…

"Are you alright?"

The sound of Daeva's voice caused Angela to look up with wide eyes. The older woman was staring down at her with an arched eyebrow, an expectant expression on her face.

Angela opened her mouth to respond but the only word to come out was, "Huh?"

If possible, Daeva's eyebrow raised even higher.

"Are. You. Alright?"

Angela began quickly nodding, words suddenly coming back to her.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine."

Daeva blinked at her, head tilting to the side a little as she stared rather intently at Angela. The longer she stared, the more Angela began to blush and fidget until eventually Angela stuttered out a 'What?'

…

Daeva smiled.

Thu-thump. Thu-thump. Thu-thump. Thu-thump. Thu-thump.

Daeva suddenly reached out, grabbing one of Angela's hands. And Angela watched with wide eyes as Daeva brought Angela's hand up to her face, letting her lips lightly brush against the back of Angela's hands, all the while her eyes remained locked on Angela's.

Thu-thumpThu-thumpThu-thumpThu-thumpThu-thump.

Angela could feel Daeva smirk against her hand and had to resist the urge to beg for Daeva to kiss her senseless. But, before she could even open her mouth to either do so or just say something, the late bell rang from inside the school, surprising Angela more than it should've.

And it was only as she glanced around that she realized that the surrounding area outside the school was completely empty, all the other students having already gone inside and that Daeva and she were completely alone.

Angela felt Daeva release her hand and returned her attention to the woman in front of her. Daeva seemed completely unconcerned about the reality of being late for class, seeming even relaxed. Angela wished that she was able to be that. Not care.

"See you at lunch, Angel."

She then walked away.

Just walked away towards the school.

Didn't look back.

Didn't pause.

Didn't speedwalk.

Just strolled towards the school, hands by her side, hips swaying, and heels clacking against the pavement lightly.

And it was so 100% genuine Daeva that Angela felt breathless.

And it was as she was staring at Daeva, phone clutched to her chest and heart hammering that she remembered why.

Why she would do whatever Daeva asked.

Why she would let Daeva do whatever she wanted with her.

Why she would destroy anyone who would try to come between Daeva and she.

Why Daeva was her one and only.

Why Daeva was her reason for everything.

Her lips upturned into a large grin, eyes going half-lidded as her everything disappeared into the school. She then slowly dragged her eyes to her hand, the hand Daeva kissed. Bringing it up to her face, she was able to see the bold, dark red kiss mark left on her pale hand. Slowly, she brought it closer to her face until her lips lightly brushed up against the imprint.

A shudder racked through her body and she gave a breathless little moan against her hand.

She remained like that for a long minute before slowly peeling her lips away, peering down at her hand. The kiss mark was smudged.

Angela didn't care, her fingers going to brush up against her lips.

The lipstick was smudged on Angela's lips but she didn't care.

She was grinning and laughing to herself and she was sure she looked insane but she didn't care.

Mistress...

Mind filled with thoughts of Daeva, Angela slowly walked towards the school.

+TiS+

Hmm, I wonder if I should ask Stefan for Damon's number? First of all, it would be interesting and a great experiment to see how he reacts. Second, I have a feeling Damon would be fun to play with.

Her dark lips upturned and her eyes darkened with possibilities. Chewing on her bottom lip, she let her eyes drift off into a fantasy. A fantasy she'd turn into a reality if she had anything to say about it.

And she did.

His skin flushed, chest heaving. Red cuts darted all over his skin, bite marks plentiful. He's tied to a large bed and she's not exactly sure as to who's bed it is. Maybe his? It didn't necessarily matter. All that matters was that he was tied up with... red silk. She didn't want to unintentionally bruise him badly with a cheaper material.

He'd be naked, of course. Hard and ready for her, desperate for her. He would plea and beg for her, desperate to even see her. (Of course, he'd be blindfolded. She had the perfect mask for him.)

She would straddle him, sitting on his stomach. He would whine and buck up against her, desperate for some kind of friction. But, she would deny him, giving a chaste whisper for patience as she brandished a knife.

She'd then lean forward, allowing her bare breasts to brush up against his front. Maybe he'd even cry from overstimulation, she wasn't entirely sure. But, he seemed the type. Big and bad buy all he needed was a good bit of breaking in and he'd be a pretty little toy to have...

… But, did she want to break him?

… Hmm, maybe a little. She did want him to retain some of that spark.

It was no fun to fuck an empty husk.

"World War 2 ended in... anyone got anything?"

Daeva's fantasy was shattered with Tanner's harsh voice springing to the forefront.

Blinking, Daeva's eyes flickered to the teacher before moving around the room. Stefan and Elena were whispering and the rest of the class seemed clueless and were just eyeing the clock, desperate to leave.

She rolled her eyes, unimpressed with the class before speaking loudly. "1945."

Tanner stared at her for a second too long before nodding. "Thank you, Miss Gilbert." To which Daeva gave a too sweet smile, internally cursing him for interrupting her daydream yet also annoyed at the class for being inept. (It was only really fun to see Elena get called out for being an idiot. With everyone else it was just... a waste of time, to be honest. And was a definite way to get the entire class extra reading for homework.)

"Pearl Harbor?" Tanner tried again, clearly wanting someone other than Daeva to prove themselves.

Sighing silently, Daeva turned her attention to her notebook, allowing her head to rest in her palm as she lazily doodled in her notebook, still keeping an ear out on what was going on.

"Miss Gilbert?"

Daeva glanced up, catching a sight of a startled Elena who was clearly distracted, talking to Stefan about something or another.

"Huh?"

"Pearl Harbor?"

Elena was speechless, eyes darting around the room as if the answer would just appear to her. Her eyes momentarily locked on Daeva but the redhead gave a somewhat mocking smile, winking.

"Um..."

"December 7, 1941."

Everyone's eyes, Daeva's included, immediately went to Stefan when his voice cut through the thickening silence. But, Stefan's eyes remained firm on Tanner even when Elena gave him a look of relief.

"Thank you, Miss Gilbert." Tanner grunted, Stefan giving a smile in return.

"Anytime."

This caused a few sniggers to appear around the room. Daeva even giving a small grin as she leaned back in her seat, arms crossed as she eyed the situation with intrigue.

"Very well. The fall of the Berlin Wall."

"1989." Stefan immediately said, not taking a moment to even think or ponder. "I'm good with dates, sir."

This sounded like a challenge to Tanner, the man straightening a little as his eyes remained on Stefan.

"Are you? How good? Keep it to the year. Civil Rights Act."

"1964."

"John F. Kennedy assassination."

"1963."

"Martin Luther King."

"'68."

So, he's not just a pretty face, hmm?

But, Daeva would be lying if she said that she wasn't even the slightest bit impressed. Sure, she knew all of this but she was a special case, you could say. Most normal teens she's forced to interact with on a daily basis would never know something like this.

Yet, we have Stefan. Just listing off years like it's nothing. It was actually pretty sexy, if she was being fully honest with herself and she most definitely was.

Daeva bit her lip, crossing her legs as she remained locked on the battle in front of her.

"Lincoln." Tanner continued, clearly getting frustrated at being unable to stump the teen.

"1865." Stefan responded, a twinkle in his eye that could only be described as amusement.

"Roe vs. Wade."

"1973."

"Brown vs. Board."

"1954."

"The battle of Gettysburg."

"1863."

"Korean war."

"1950 to 1953."

"Ha! It ended in '52!"

The sudden increase in volume made Daeva arch a brow, head tilting to the side as she eyed her teacher. She'd been nodding along and internally speaking in unison with Stefan and she knew that Stefan was correct, no question.

"Actually, Tanner?" Daeva's voice spoke up once more, multiple pairs of eyes darting over to her form. Once all eyes were on her, she gave Tanner a challenging smirk. "It was '53. Stefan is correct."

Tanner and Daeva stared at each other for a long moment before the man suddenly spoke to no one in particular.

"Look it up, someone. Quickly!"

The room was quiet apart from the sound of pages turning as students searched through their textbooks. Finally, a student chimed in, having simply looked it up on his phone.

"It was 19... 53."

As the students stared at Stefan, and in some ways Daeva, in complete awe, Tanner was simply stunned as he stared at the pair.

Stefan and Daeva caught each other's eye, Stefan giving her a small grin and nod of appreciation for backing him up. Daeva gave a little smirk, mimicking his nod and adding a wink for good measure. And she was purely delighted to see a small bit of color come to his cheeks as he smiled a little to himself, looking away.

What a shame, I would just love to have him and his brother. Huh, guess I'll just settle for the one.

+TiS+

"How did you know all of that?"

Elena was clearly impressed by Stefan, immediately questioning him about it as they exited the classroom together. The only person she'd seen challenge Tanner like that was Daeva but... she was Daeva. At a certain point, you just don't question it anymore.

Stefan had a small smile on his face as he peered down at Elena, clearly not 100% comfortable with all the positive attention.

"Years and years of crossword puzzles. It's a loner thing."

Elena gave a small laugh, shaking her head slightly.

"Fair enough. But, it is a funny picture to imagine someone like Daeva doing crossword puzzles alone in her room or something."

At the name, Stefan looked ahead and saw Daeva talking to a tall blonde up against some lockers. The other Gilbert had a confident smile on her face as she twirled a strand of the other girl's hair around her finger, taking a few steps closer as she did so, clearly taking a more dominant role. But, the blonde didn't seem to mind, blushing lightly at whatever was being said.

"I'm guessing Daeva isn't the loner type?" Stefan asked Elena, unable to help his curiosity.

Elena followed his gaze, an unreadable expression appearing on her face before it smoothed into an expression of disbelief.

"Daeva? Loner? Ha, that couldn't be the farthest from the truth. Daeva always has someone on her arm or by her side. Not to mention the group she hangs out with, always behind her like her own pets or something."

Elena's voice had turned almost spiteful by the end but she ended up shaking her head as if snapping herself out of it, glancing up at Stefan.

"Daeva is definitely not the loner type."

Despite Stefan nodding, he couldn't help his eyes from flickering back to the redhead. While perhaps writing her off a bit too soon, he couldn't help the curiosity he now felt. And despite him really not knowing Daeva at all, the idea of her being a loner didn't seem nearly as crazy to him as it did to Elena.

+TiS+

"So... why are we spying on your sister?"

"We're not observing my sister. We are here for Caroline." Daeva corrected, eyes closed and hidden behind a pair of shades, and face turned up towards the sun.

Sarah gave a small huff, adjusting her position on the uncomfortable bleachers and returning to her book.

When Sarah was not looking, Daeva's eyes fluttered open and her attention shifted the the young girl by her side.

Sarah Collins. One of the younger girls Daeva keeps around, being a Sophomore to Daeva's Junior. But, Daeva didn't really care much about her age. It was what she could offer to Daeva that matters. And Sarah offers up quite a bit to the group. As the designated researcher, Sarah is the person Daeva turns to whenever she needs information on a specific topic and also helps with ideas in terms of methods of... persuasion whenever it is needed.

And considering Angela helps with blackmail, well, those two get along quite well, close ages aside.

Of course, as with everything in life, there are a few drawbacks.

Sarah, despite being useful and a wonderful conversationalist, also has a rather... blunt and sassy personality. Having no problem speaking her mind, Sarah has a problem, constantly just blurting out her opinions without any consideration as to the consequences of her actions.

There is a reason why she has the most scars of her group. Daeva really does not accept any insolence.

And, of course, with all those things in mind you understand why Sarah fits better as someone... behind the scenes. Daeva prides herself on subtly, grace, and class. And Sarah is pretty much the opposite of that and lacks any kind of stealth. But, it's not the worst thing ever.

Like the others, Sarah still does whatever Daeva says and has no problem accepting her place at Daeva's feet. Daeva prefers to refer to her as a... 'Work – In – Progress'. There are a few little pieces of sass that need to hammered out, after all. It is just taking a bit longer as she needs to be careful as to not overdo it. Last thing she wants is to get rid of any personality the girl has going for her.

A delicate hand is needed.

Daeva is brought from her contemplative thoughts at the sight of a truly beautiful car pulling up at the school.

Daeva sits up, pushing down her sunglasses and peering over them to get a closer look.

And what she sees gives her an... odd feeling.

Her best friend and wife, Caroline Forbes... pulling up at cheerleading practice late with the one and only Damon Salvatore. AKA Daeva's next mark. AKA Daeva's future toy.

Standing without a word, Daeva fixed her sunglasses and made her way down the bleachers, attention still firmly on Caroline and Damon who were sharing a kiss. Sarah didn't bother calling after her, aware that she would most likely receive no answer.

"Daeva." Elena said in surprise, having not noticed Daeva until now. "What are you doing here?"

"Curiosity." Daeva mumbled offhandedly to her sister, not paying her or Bonnie any attention as she stopped by them. But, Bonnie was too distracted by what Elena said to even glare at Daeva like she usually would.

"Salvatore. As in Stefan?!"

"Do you know any other Salvatore, Bennett?"

Daeva's tone was distracted as she kept her gaze locked on Caroline and Damon, the pair having already separated and the blonde sauntering her way over. She ended up missing the dirty look Bonnie gave her but she wouldn't have cared anyway.

As Damon slipped on his shades, he ended up looking over towards the direction of the trio. His eyes first went to Elena, a smirk appearing that was all taunt and pure mischief. Then, his eyes moved to Daeva.

The smirk disappeared and he ended up eyeing her up and down slowly, taking his time in a clear attempt to make her uncomfortable. But, she was Daeva Gilbert. He would have to try a lot harder than that. When he reached her face, she was the one to smirk at him, tossing a wink and a challenging look.

Damon's smirk reappeared as he slipped on his shades, hiding his eyes from view before he pulled off without pause.

Daeva watched his car retreat, apprehension setting in. However, her eyes returned to Caroline when she was closer.

"I got the other brother. Hope you don't mind." Caroline jabbed at Elena, a smug expression on her face.

"Wife, I have questions." Daeva drawled, head tilting as she eyed Caroline, eyebrow delicately arched. The blonde gave her a bright smile, in an understandably good mood.

"Don't worry, babe. I'll explain everything." Caroline teased with a wink before waltzing over to the other cheerleaders, commanding their attention.

Patting her sister on the head, and relishing in the exasperated expression on her face, Daeva returned to the bleachers and to her seat beside a mischievous-looking Sarah.

"Jealousy?"

Daeva gave a light scoff. "I love Caroline to pieces but I'm not jealous."

"Even if it's over your next conquest?"

This caused Daeva to take her eyes off of the practice, instead giving Sarah a patient look that was slightly patronizing.

"Owl, if I wanted Damon... I could have him with a word. It's just a shame that Caroline got there first." She gave a careless shrug, eyes returning to the blonde in question as she continued.

"But, it won't last. It never does. And when it's all over and done with, I'll be there to have my go."

"You plan on pursuing him afterwards, then?" Sarah questioned, curious as to what she was thinking. Daeva rarely opened up this much about her plans so she would try to get as much as she could out of the woman.

Daeva's lips quirked up though she never looked at the younger girl.

"I don't pursue. I seduce. And I shall wait for him to come to me, but only after him and Caroline are done."

Sarah gave a slow nod, staring at Daeva with an impressed expression.

"I never would've thought that you'd have waited. Usually you just go for what you want."

"It's Caroline."

That was all Daeva had to say and Sarah understood.

+TiS+

And there we go! How did you guys like it? I actually made it a bit longer by 100 or so words so I hope you guys enjoyed it, hehe. I've been a bit sick so sorry if the writing seemed a bit off. Anyway, in this chapter I tried showing some different perspectives so that you weren't just hearing the story ENTIRELY from Daeva's point of view.

I also showed off more of her sadistic side as well as her desires and even her morals in a way. And we got to meet one of her 6, Sarah. And we got to see a good bit of Angela. Oh, how I love playing setup. And I'm so excited to hear what you guys think!

Anyway, don't forget to share, favorite, follow, and review~