um, first fanfic so kind of nervous. I've been writing stuff for myself for a while but never had the guts to publish. So I'm not sure how it will go. Hope you like it!

She wore blue velvet
Bluer than velvet was the night
Softer than satin was the light
From the stars

Lana Del Rey - Blue Velvet

In retrospect, I should have realized the minute Caroline called me that this was a terrible idea.

I don't know why I said yes; I guess my friends can get me to do anything, sadly. And this is Caroline we're talking about. She would never take no for an answer. She practically forced me to do it. But I can't put all the blame on her. I have to admit; I was more than just a little bit curious to attend a ball thrown by the Originals. I mean, who wouldn't be?

"So, you want me to be your wing man?" I asked over the phone, incredulous.

"Umm, sort of! I know how it sounds, but I need you there to have my back. I know you're gonna say I should ask Elena but she'll be way too busy dealing with her own drama and I don't think she can take on an Original."

"So, you're afraid of Klaus but you're still going to be his date?"

"It's not a date, Bonnie! It's... well, call it an experiment. He's suddenly interested in me and I wanna know why. I also want to know what I can get out of it. Tyler is sired to him and if there's a way for me to help him, I will do it."

"And manipulation is the only viable solution."

"Will you stop judging? You know you'd do the same."

"No, actually, I'd stay far, far away from him. He told Tyler to bite you, Caroline."

"I know, but he did feed me his blood to save me. That has to mean something. I have to use it against him."

"You do realize that's an awful plan, right?"

"Come on, Bon. Ninety nine percent of my plans work and you know it."

"They usually involve town events or charities."

"This is a town event, technically speaking."

"You won't stop until I say yes, will you?"

"Nope."

"Well, I guess I'd worry less if I were there..."

"See? I knew you'd see it my way."

"There's just one problem; I'm not invited."

"What do you mean you're not invited? Everyone is! Didn't you get your invitation in the mail?"

I tried not to sound resentful. "Guess not. They must not like witches."

Who was I kidding? It did rub me the wrong way that everyone had been invited except me.

This might have been one of the reasons I agreed to crash the party anyway.

Getting a ball gown in half a day was kind of impossible.

In the end, I had to go with the dress I'd worn at the Lockwood masquerade ball the year before. It wasn't exactly appropriate, but I had nothing better. And for a gatecrasher, I was putting enough effort.

When I took a final look in the mirror, I realized why I was feeling uncomfortable. This was the dress I wore the night Jeremy and I became more than friends.

He had a way of getting inside my head even when I was putting on a stupid dress. I used to be good at getting over stuff. I spent most of my childhood not minding that mom and dad were never around. I didn't care I was alone. I thought growing older would make me stronger, but I guess that's just another myth.

Chin up, you have a fancy ball to attend uninvited.

Well, I can tell you one thing; the newly renovated Mikaelson Family Mansion was huge. It looked like one of those old plantation houses you see in Gone With The Wind. Walking through the front doors felt like entering a different world, one where gowns, chandeliers, butlers and old money are still a thing.

Well, if this were 19th-century Virginia, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be all dressed up. I'd probably be somewhere in the kitchens.

I was hoping the number of people attending this thing would make me fit in seamlessly, but I guess I was the only person there with above-the-knee attire. That made me stand out a bit.

Suddenly, thousands of eyes were trained on me.

I felt exposed.

Any minute now, one of those polished butlers would take me by the arm and escort me outside.

I desperately looked around for Caroline. My so-called bravery was wearing thin.

I tried to act like I belonged there, walking purposely towards one of the living rooms.

I spotted Matt across the room, talking to Rebekah Mikaelson, of all people. Even so, I felt relieved to see him. Maybe he could vouch for me, or at least tell me where I could find Caroline. But as I made my way to them, I saw him take Rebekah by the arm and next thing I know, I was standing in the ball room and there were dozens of couples dancing on the floor all around me. The two had conveniently vanished.

Great. Now what?

There was only enough space to stand next to the wall and watch. I'd seen this kind of dancing at Miss Mystic Falls. I wasn't exactly a fan. Don't get me wrong; I fawn over period movies like every other person, but I prefer to jump around and make a fool of myself if I'm going to dance.

I looked around to see if there were other unfortunate souls like me, stuck to the wall until the end of the song.

As my eyes traveled across the room, I suddenly spotted Elena...dancing with Damon. Uh-oh. This wasn't exactly ideal, seeing as Stefan was somewhere around. Caroline had been right about the drama.

And speaking of Caroline, was that her, on Klaus' arm?

My jaw almost dropped. Caroline was dancing with Klaus. And they were talking. And smiling. They actually seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Huh, maybe she didn't need a wing man, after all.

Oh, things were getting interesting. Elena was now dancing with Stefan. And they looked tense.

Damon was dancing with Rebekah, but it was obvious they wanted to be anywhere else.

Caroline had switched over to Matt. And they were arguing.

All I needed was some popcorn and this would be like watching PBS at home.

As I followed the couples and their respective dramas, I finally found the other person who was not dancing either.

He was leaning against the wall opposite me.

I saw him through the throng of dancers.

He seemed just as amused as I was by the display. That or he just constantly smirked like that. He was impeccably dressed and I'd be lying if I said he wasn't attractive. I hadn't seen him around town, though. And this is a pretty small town. You know pretty much everyone by default. So, newcomer, or...

Our eyes suddenly met. He must've caught me staring. It's not my fault. He's the only other non-moving person in this room.

He raised himself a little. I saw his eyebrow raise quizzically. He was probably wondering what someone like me was doing there.

I quickly looked away, embarrassed.

The song was ending anyway, so I could finally exit the ball room without bumping into anyone.

But as I turned away, I felt a pair of eyes following me.

The same guy was now walking towards me, slowly, circling the dancing couples.

For some unknown reason, I panicked and turned in the opposite direction. I didn't want to confront him. Not only would it blow my cover, but I just knew it would go wrong somehow.

I looked over my shoulder. He was still following me.

We were a funny sight, walking around the room, spying on each other, avoiding the dancers.

I eventually found the door and ran into the hallway, relieved. Better steer clear from the ball room.

Wobbling slightly, I made my way to the buffet.

I wasn't there for long, unfortunately. One of the butlers posted himself in front of me awkwardly. I thought he was going to offer me a glass of champagne, but then there would be no point for the security guys standing next to him, would there?

"I'm very sorry to inconvenience you, Miss, but may I see your invitation, please?" the butler asked in a faux-British accent.

I started fumbling nervously with my purse, pretending I had misplaced it.

"Um, it was here somewhere, I swear it was here a minute ago..." I trailed off, poking through my purse as if I were looking for a tent or something of similar size.

I could feel the cold sweat on my back.

Well, the ruse had been nice while it had lasted.

I looked up embarrassed. "Seems like I lost it. Must've fallen on the way in."

The two exchanged a look.

"But some of my friends are here. They could...um, prove I was invited. Can you call Elena Gilbert or Caroline Forbes or..."

"I'm afraid I'll have to escort you out, Miss. It's the rules," the security guard intervened.

My shoulders sagged in disappointment.

"Fair enough."

To his credit, he led me out in the nicest, gentlest way possible. He even offered to let me go through the back. But no, if I was making my exit, I was going out the same way I'd gotten in.

We were already near the front doors when someone suddenly blocked our way.

Oh, God. It was the same guy from the ball room. And he was now going to witness my not-so-elegant departure.

"I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding," he said in what seemed to be a genuine British accent. "The young lady is with me. I have been trying to find her."

His eyes sparkled with mischief. He looked frustratingly handsome.

"Oh, I apologize, Mr. Mikaelson, I had no idea."

Mikaleson?! He was an Original? Well, shi-

"It's quite all right. I'll take it from here."

I was too shocked to do anything when he placed my hand around his arm and led me back into the hallway.

"Well, you're a brave little thing. Showing up unannounced, in that rather revealing dress. I have to say, it's refreshing."

I quickly pulled away.

"Mikaelson? As in the Mikaelsons? The people who are throwing this ball?"

"You must have missed the opening. Lucky you. I had to stand up with my family. It was all very tedious."

"Um, right, well, it was nice meeting you, but I have to go now..." I mumbled, pointing towards the ball room. "My friends are waiting for me."

His eyes were laughing at me again.

"Aren't you going to thank me for letting you stay?"

"I'm not going to stay much longer."

"Even so, I told that man you are my date. I lied on your behalf."

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. He had a point, I suppose.

"Thank you," I replied reluctantly.

"I'm afraid a simple thank you won't do. You are going to have to keep up appearances," he quipped, offering his arm again.

I looked down at it warily.

"Why would you want that?"

"Well, everyone else is taken. And no one is wearing such a delicious little number."

I wrinkled my nose in disgust. "Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not up for it."

"I don't usually take no for an answer," he replied with a steely look in his eye.

"There's a first time for everything."

He tilted his head in interest.

"You've got a bit of spunk in you. I like that."

He suddenly stepped into my personal space, invading it completely. His hand was on my chin and his eyes were boring into mine.

"But I'm afraid I've no time for banter."

I almost wanted to laugh. My hand pressed firmly into his chest.

"You aren't seriously trying to compel me."

The look on his face was priceless. He was at a loss for words. He recovered quickly, though.

"I see... you're a bit different, aren't you?" he asked coolly.

"To put it lightly. You might be an Original, but even your powers are limited."

He doubled up again in shock. I found it strangely satisfying to confuse him. It wiped that smirk off his face.

"So, what else does the little intruder know?"

I only now realized his fingers had circled my arm.

"How to give you several aneurysms, among other things, if you don't let go of me."

His eyes darkened considerably at my words. And his grip only tightened. I tried to keep a straight face. I was getting kind of nervous.

"Let's see it, then. Try a number on me."

It was my time to stare at him in wonder. No vampire's ever asked me to willingly give him horrible head pain.

"Go on. I'm ready when you are," he added with a smile that sent chills all through my body.

"You're...serious?"

"Why not? It's not like I haven't had witches before."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Do it, then. I'm waiting."

He was taunting me. He knew I'd make a scene. I felt exposed again. He knew I was a witch. I knew he was an Original. Only trouble could come from this.

I gritted my teeth in frustration.

"I can't do it here, like this. I won't do it."

He chuckled, making me blush red with anger.

"You might be a witch, but even your powers are limited," he replied, echoing my previous words.

Well, if I couldn't hurt him I could protect myself.

A jolt went through my skin and his fingers quickly let go of me, as if burnt.

"I can do that, at least."

He chuckled again. "Oh, Nik would just love you."

"Klaus? I highly doubt it." I had almost killed him, hadn't I?

"Of course, I found you first, so you're my little witch now. He's had plenty."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "Excuse me?! Your little witch?"

"Well, yes. I haven't had one in centuries. Been locked up, you see. I think you'd be a rather good fit. I enjoy a challenge."

"You have another thing coming if you think I'm going to let you treat me like this."

"Ah, the fiery ones are always so much fun."

My nostrils flared and I felt the magic tingling at the tip of my fingers. The air around us started to crackle. He was pushed back a couple of steps.

"Easy there, darling. Wouldn't want to be making a scene, would you?"

"And what if I did?"

"Well, then, I'm afraid your friends would suffer the consequences. You did mention they were waiting for you."

"You don't even know who they are."

"True. So I would have to...eliminate some by-standers in the process," he replied with a devilish smirk on his lips. "And trust me, I am a little bit faster and stronger than your average vampire. I will have decapitated half the room before you can even begin to give me an aneurysm."

I tried to suppress the shiver that ran down my body.

To everyone around us, we probably looked like normal people chatting. He was doing his best to look like he was having an entertaining conversation and nothing more.

"Let's say I believe you..." I began cautiously. "What do you want from me?"

He smiled, revealing his teeth.

"Let's start with a dance, shall we? And then you can tell me how you know all about me and my family."

"I don't do that kind of dancing."

"Neither do I. We shall make quite the pair."

"And if I say no?"

"Let's just say, mother will be furious at the mess I've made," he replied lightly, as if he was sharing some funny joke.

I sighed and placed my hand in his. This night couldn't possibly get any worse.

"I knew I shouldn't have come."

"On the contrary, darling. You've made this dismal affair much more interesting."

"If it's so dismal, why don't you leave?"

"Don't tempt me. You know I'd take you with me. One doesn't come across witches very often."

I rolled my eyes. Why had I not kept my mouth shut? Did he have a thing for witches? Was he unable to stand rejection? Out of all the psychopath vampires in my life, why did this one have to be an Original?

"You wouldn't be able to take me anywhere."

"Well, I managed to get you on the dance floor, didn't I?"

"And that's the furthest you'll get with me."

"We'll see about that."

He snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me to him. Before I knew what was happening, we were moving to the music.

TBC