My heart tightens as the pulsing music vibrates through my body, and we haven't even made it into the gym yet! I force my feet to push onward, even as everything in me wants to turn and escape. The school is dark, with special lighting set in order to create the perfect mood for a party. If you ask me, It does nothing but create haunting shadows in the corners.

  The school entrance has been transformed from its usual cold unwelcoming corridor into a balloon and streamer filled passage that leads to an unknown world of loud music and laughter. Everything should be exciting and enticing me onward, but the dark room with its flashing multicolored lights only puts me at unease.

  With a shaky breath I press through the gyms entrance, not wanting to appear as nervous as I really am. It is warm, and the sudden lack of air and space makes my head spin. There are people everywhere, either dancing in the center where the DJ is set up or scattered in groups filling the room. I have to focus on keeping my breathing even.

  Honestly, I do not know if it is my sudden surrounding that is making my heart flutter so, or if it is Damon's arm casually draped around my waist. He rubs his thumb back and forth on my hip, in what I am sure is supposed to be a comforting gesture, but really all it does is make my stomach quiver.

  "Finally!" Zeke bellows as he darts toward us, being quickly followed by the rest of our friends.

   Before I can even respond he snatches up my arms and pulls me from Damon's grasp. Instantly I feel cold without his touch and my lip pouts ever so slightly before I am able to stop myself.

  "We have been waiting forever!" Zeke whines as he spins me in a circle, making me burst out laughing.

  "So dramatic!" I roll my eyes at him as I allow myself to be spun around once more. "We were only a minute behind you" I laugh again as I pull away, not wanting to get dizzy and tip over in these heels.

  In truth, we did take a bit longer to get here than the others. Not like we snuck off somewhere or anything scandalous of the sort! It just took me a bit to muster the courage to actually walk in here. Damon, surprisingly, was very sweet about the whole thing. Driving over here he did most of the talking, telling me about the marvelous balls he attended back in his day. Part of me appreciated him filling the silence, another part of me panicked at the realization that he definitely has had more experience with this whole dance thing than I.

  Once we arrived he didn't mention or mock how I awkwardly stood my ground outside of his car. After allowing me time to fidget and give myself an adequate mental pep talk he gently placed his hand on my lower back and led me inside.

  "Come on guys, lets dance!" Elena motions us further into the chaos, but my stomach sinks at the idea.

  "Oh I don't-" I start but am interrupted.

  "The whole point is to dance!" Zeke argues my refusal before I even got a chance to really make it.

  "And here I was thinking the whole point was to have fun." I challenge, my hand on my hips and an eyebrow raised in his direction.

  "But dancing is fun!" Leo points out, making his stand on the argument.

  "Maybe for you." I grumble softly to myself.

  "But Reza, you're supposed to be my dance partner!" Zeke whines and stomps his foot in a temper tantrum.

  Quickly I scan the room, desperate for a way out. Sure, I could point out that I hadn't come to the dance with him and therefore was not his designated dance partner, but that seemed a bit harsh.

  "You know," I lean towards Zeke and whisper to him as I spot a junior girl who is looking around a bit lost, "that girl over there has been eyeing you up."

  Zeke perks up, his head whipping back and forth to try to identify who I could be talking about. I can see Damon raise an eyebrow at me, but I pay him little attention. Well, as little attention as I can pay to Damon.

  "Who?" Zeke demands as he fails to spot anyone look in his direction.

  "That cute girl over there"

  I motion with my head to the mousy looking girl in a sunflower yellow dress. She keeps fidgeting and playing with her short chocolate colored hair nervously.

  "She's not looking over here" Zeke scoffs, obviously disappointed.

  "Well yea!" I agree like this is supposed to be obvious. "I caught her looking, of course she is going to look away."

  Zeke's eyes widen as he considers this, slowly nodding as he accepts this as truth.

  "You should go ask her to dance!" I encourage him.

  "I should!" He stands up straighter, pulling at his sleeves to make sure they are even. "If you will excuse me!" He dismissively says over his shoulder as he saunters over to her.

  I watch him go, holding my breath as he catches her attention. I may have been lying about her checking him out before, but her eyes do light up when she notices him. I wish I could hear the exchange, but I sigh a breath of relief when she eagerly nods and follows him to the dance floor.

  "Wow" Leo grins as he watches them go. "Good call Reza, I didn't even notice her looking over here"

  A blush creeps over my cheeks as I shrug, not wanting to linger on that little detail.

  "Lets go join them!" Elena beams as she takes Stefan's hand, pulling him with her.

  Noticing that I don't instantly jump into motion she eyes me before waving at me to follow. Once again my eyes dance around the room for another excuse.

  "Ugh," I stall for time until I finally find what I'm looking for, "I'll be right behind you! Just going to go get a snack first."

  I grin, relieved to have a distraction, as I point to the refreshment table. She purses her lips, obviously not believing me, but nods her head and turn to join the crowd of flailing bodies.

  "Your lucky" Damon's husky voice sends a shiver down my spine as he takes his place beside me. "How did you know she would agree to a dance?" he asks, once again putting his hand on my lower back to lead me toward the food.

  "I had my fingers crossed." I answer honestly, shrugging shyly at being caught in my lie.

  "As I said, your lucky." He chuckles beside me and shakes his head.

  Silver trays are laid out on a banquet table filled with tiny sandwiches, an assortment of chips, and cookies. In the center of the table a 3 tier chocolate fountain that makes my mouth water. Around it an array of fruits, marshmallows, and cakes that are skewered and ready for dipping. It would all look so elegant if it wasn't for the stingray confetti that had been scattered around as well as the balloons taped to the tables corners.

  I hesitate, my stomach rolling as my mind goes into over drive. Why did I say I wanted a snack, I am way to nervous to eat! Well maybe a chocolate covered strawberry or two... but no! The chocolate fountain looks wonderful, but what if I drip on my dress?

  Okay, just a few chips. Then again, I don't want greasy powder covered fingers in case Damon tries to take my hand. Not like Damon ever has taken a hold of my hand. Wait, do I want him to take my hand?

  "Here" I jump slightly as Damon break me back into reality.

  He is holding out a cheap plastic flute, the schools attempt at being fancy, full of a red liquid. With shaky hands, I accept the glass from him. His fingers brush against me, and my whole body trembles at the connection. Turning away from him to hide my blush I take a tentative sip. The fruit punch tingles on my tongue as I struggle to swallow it, to make my body cooperate with me at least this once!

  "Find anything good?" he asks as he eyes the contents of each serving dish skeptically.

  "Umm, I guess" I mumble as I quickly place a triangular cut sandwich and a cookie or two on a little plate.

  "No chocolate?" He asks, grabbing a marshmallow and dipping it in the melted chocolate for a second before popping it in his mouth.

  "Well," I debate the dangers of making a mess one last time before I give in and reach for a strawberry. "okay, you talked me into it" I tease as I dip it into the flowing chocolate.

  He chuckles and grabs for a piece of angle food cake this time. Watching him out of the corner of my eye suddenly something clicks inside my head. Taking a step back I gawk at him as he eats another piece of food.

  "Wait, you're eating?" I whisper the best I can, but my shock makes my voice rise a little at the end.

  "Your observant" He retorts, chuckling at my look of surprise as he grabs a drink for himself and turns to sit at a nearby table.

  "But," I follow close behind him still trying to understand. "But I thought," I stumble over my thoughts as I take a seat beside him.

  "I'm not so different to you" He leans in closer to me, keeping his voice low. "As long as I keep up with my healthy diet of blood, my body acts pretty normal." He explains as he snags a cookie off my plate and takes a bite.

  "So, you can eat and drink and, well everything?" I ask feeling a bit stupid.

  "Everything" he winks at me before leaning back in his chair.

  A deep blush overtakes my cheeks as my mind wanders to the possibility of that 'everything'. Looking for a distraction I grab the sandwich and start nibbling at it.

  "That makes sense" I nod as I process the information, "I mean Stefan and Elena eat lunch with us most days. I guess I never noticed it."

  "It's kind of a necessity for blending in. Plus its enjoyable," he pauses to eye the bland looking chicken salad sandwich that I am eating without even tasting, "sometimes at least. And bonus, it can help to curve our other cravings"

  "Oh" my eyes widen as I realize he means for blood. "Then by all means, eat!"

  I push my plate, with only a cookie left, towards him in encouragement. He chuckles again, shaking his head as he pushes the plate back in front of me. A silence settles between us as I awkwardly pick at my food. I cross and uncross my leg multiple times, fidgeting as I try to force myself to relax.

  It is no use however, my body is a traitor who refuses to slow my racing heart. No matter how I try to distract myself I find my gaze constantly drifting towards him. The flashing lights illuminating his sharp features, his soft lips perfectly set in a pout, his fierce eyes roaming the room as he takes in his surroundings.

  With a quick glance he catches me staring at him, a smirk instantly twisting on his lips. My cheeks burn with embarrassment as I avert my gaze, hoping I wasn't too obviously checking him out. A soft chuckle escapes him, but thankfully he says no more about it.

  "Can you believe this guy?" He graciously starts a conversation by motioning to a young boy with a tilt of his head.

  I easily am able to see who Damon is pointing to, the boy definitely stands out in this crowd. He is small, most likely a freshman, and shying away from anyone who nears him. Rather than even attempting to join in the festivities he decided to tuck himself in a corner and huddle over a book.

  "What's wrong with reading?" I ask, instantly feeling defensive for the stranger.

  "Nothing, I too enjoy a good book here and there, but now?" He raises an eyebrow at me as if this is just ridiculous, but I just shrug shyly.

  "That would never have been-" He starts but I quickly interrupt him

  "Oh yea old man," I glance up at him, a playful smirk pulling at my lips as a tease him, "tell me all about the good ole days." I giggle as Damon's eyes widen for just an instant, before he smirks at me once more.

  "Okay," He nods "fair enough." He chuckles again, leaning back into his seat and settling his eyes on me.

   "Honestly." I hesitate, trying to hold onto the little bit of confidence I somehow managed to find. "If you hadn't asked me, and if Zeke would let me get away with it, I would probably be reading rather than dancing" I shrug again as my blush deepens.

  "What book?" He asks, startling me a moment.

  I was expecting to be teased, not to be engaged in deeper conversation.

"Depends on my mood" I shrug, avoiding actually answering.

  I believe you can tell a lot about a person by what they read, and I fear what he would think of my selection.

  "What do you like?" I ask trying to turn the topic to him.

  "My favorite would be The Call of the Wild. " He answers not even having to think about it.

  "That's the one about the dog who was stolen from his home and forced to be a sled dog right?" I slowly ask, trying my hardest to remember the short novel that I read a few years ago.

  "That's it." Damon perks up a bit that I knew what he was talking about.

  "It's a great book, but that's your favorite? It was so sad." a small pout forms on my lips as I remember how awful the dog was treated.

  "I suppose," He shrugs, leaning into the conversation, "but Buck comes out on top in the end."

  "I suppose" I use his words against him as I consider the book once more.

  "And you?" He pushes on, "What are you normally in the mood for. Any Favorites?" He asks again not letting me avoid the answer that easily.

  "I like a little of everything." I shrug, nibbling my lip as I dwell the question. "I love old classic horror like Dr. Jekyll and M. Hyde or the Picture of Dorian Grey" I feel my blush returning as I begin to ramble. " Then of course I like the typical series, you know like Harry Potter or Hunger Games-" I stop when I notice him eyeing me suspiciously.

  "Twilight?" He asks with a slight cringe.

  "Oh no, are you kidding? They sparkle!" I laugh.

  "Good" He smirks once more. "I tried to read a little of one of the book, was awful" I laugh even harder as I try to imagine him reading the sappy teenage romance.

  "Oh my god" I manage through my giggles, "why would you do that?"

  "A friend was reading it, so I took a look" He smiles at me, a genuine smile as he laughs a little himself. "Apparently the story wouldn't have seemed so bad if I had started from the beginning" He offers.

  "No" I shake my head at that. "The story is bad no matter where you start" I laugh again.

  "I'll take your word for it"

  "But, in their defense," I shrug, thinking back to all the times Zeke told my opinion doesn't count because I am biased "I am not that big on Vampire books."

  "Oh I remember" Damon smirks down at me, his eyes narrowing playfully. "You don't think they are as scary as everything else that goes bump in the night."

  "Oh no!" My eyes widen and I cover my mouth with my hand as an embarrassed giggle escapes me. I can't believe I actually forgot all about the first real conversation I had with Damon.

  "Oh yes" He continues to tease me. "If I remember correctly you even asked what the odds were of running into a vampire" He chuckles as my blush overtakes me.

  "Oh god" I laugh at myself as I relive the moment I told them about my opinions on vampires. "What you guys must have thought about me."

  "Was cute" Damon murmurs softly as he leans in ever so slightly, his piercing eyes stare into me.

  My breath catches in my throat as his gaze locks me in place. For the first time since we started talking I realize just how close we really are to one another. Both leaning in, engaged in a good conversation, now made awkward with this, what?

  Attraction?

  No, that's ridiculous.

  With a flick of his eyes Damon glances down to my chest and my blush returns in full force. My heart feels like it's going to pound right through my chest and run away, can he hear it? My first instinct is to think that's impossible, but there are so many things I have yet to learn. His lips twitch into his ever present smirk, only making my heart race even faster.

  "Come on Reza, come dance!" Zeke's shout from across the table makes me jump in my chair.

  I turn to face him and level him with a steady glare. His eyes widen as he realizes he may have just interrupted something. Not that he was or anything, was he?

  Glancing between Damon and I, he smiles sheepishly at us and shrugs.

  "Good music, lets go!" He waves eagerly at us, but I hold my ground.

  "I love this song!"

  The equally excited girl beside Zeke, who I somehow overlooked, begins to jump with the beat. Her yellow dress fairing out teasingly with the motion, mesmerizing Zeke who blatantly stares.

  "Me too," He manages, following her back into the crowd leaving us completely forgotten.

  "Wow" Damon chuckles, leaning back in his seat as he watches two disappear. "Looks like she found her self a little puppy dog"

  "Oh leave him alone," I scold even as I laugh along with him, "I think its cute."

  Damon raises an eyebrow at me but doesn't argue The thumping music slowly fades away, surprisingly being replaced with a soft melody. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end as my stomach tightens. A slow song...

  What if Damon asks me to dance? What if he doesn't? I have this sinking feeling that either way I'm not going to like it.

  Motion beside me only brings my fears to life. Damon stands and holds a hand out to me, his eyes sparkling with the flashing lights. My heart stops and I feel suddenly dizzy. What do I do?

  "May I have this dance?" His soft voice brings shivers through my body.

  My mind blanks and I fear I have forgotten how to form words.

  "I uh," I stumble, glancing around at the swaying bodies as if looking for help. "I can't." I stutter.

  "Try" He insists and my heart skips a beat. Taking a deep breath I put my shaky hand in his.

  The slow flow of the music washes over me as I allow Damon to lead me towards the dance floor. My mind is reeling, what am I doing here? I close my eyes and try to steady myself, its just a dance.

   No big deal, right?

  As we come to a stop among our classmates I am frozen with fear, nervousness, and maybe even a little excitement. Damon watches me closely, taking in my every motion, my every breath. His gaze feels like its devouring me, taking in my very being.

  I've never felt so vulnerable in my entire life as I do right now, with him looking so intently at me. As if he can feel my unease he gives my hand, still held in his, a gentle squeeze.

  Slowly he guides my hand to his shoulder before letting go and wrapping his arm around me, his hand resting on my lower back. He takes a small step closer, now standing so close we are almost touching. Butterflies set flight in my stomach as he takes my free hand in his.

  I glance around at the other couples, expecting to find someone laughing at me. Laughing at how silly I must look standing here terrified. I feel like an impostor, and any moment Damon will realize that he is dancing with the wrong person. I don't know how to dance, I don't know what I am doing!

  "Hey" His voice is gently but demanding of my attention.

  I drag my eyes away from the people surrounding us and meet his gaze.

  "Don't worry about anyone else" He whispers, his breath tickling my cheek as he leans in to me. "It's just you and me"

  Never taking his eyes off me he begins to sway, slowly at first as if to ease me into it. Honestly if Damon wasn't holding me up, I fear I would collapse. I try to listen to the music and to follow his lead, but I feel clumsy. My body acutely aware of his hands holding me and my mind refuses to focus on little more.

  "Don't think" He breaths into my ear, sending shivers coursing through my body making my knees go weak "just feel the motion."

  With that he twirls me out without warning. I gasp, certain that I will fall, but just as quickly he pulls me back into him. His arm wrap tighter around me, pulling me close to his chest. My heart beats so fast I am sure he will be able to feel it too.

  I sway with him, doing my best to quiet my mind. I follow his lead, letting my body move as he directs it. His hard body brushes against me as he spins me around the dance floor. He never takes his eyes off me, yet he knows exactly where to lead me. I relax into his touch, his warmth filling me and pushing me forward. My breath quickens as I slowly open myself up to his movements, letting go of all me fears and insecurities.

  My body melding with his as we sway to the soothing music together. The butterflies in my stomach do their own little dance as Damon's gaze engulfs me. The way he is looking at me in this moment, as if I am the most important person in this room, makes me feel both weak and stronger.

  How is it he makes me feel so much? My heart pulls at the thought of him. Could I really be falling for him? How does he feel in return?

  His eyes darken as he watches me, a smile pulling at his lips as he twirls me out once more. This time I do not hesitate, a laugh escaping me as I spin freely from his grasp. Rather than returning to him as before, this time I twirl back into him, stopping with my back to his chest. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me tight into him. My breath catches as he nuzzles his head into my neck, taking me by surprise.

  "You are beautiful." He whispers, his lips brushing against my ear.

  My heart stops as his words wash over me. I lean back into him, my momentum completely forgotten as my mind scrambles to comprehend what he just said. He thinks I am beautiful?

  I am saved from having to respond by the sudden change of rhythm. The beautiful notes replaced by the never ending pounding of another pop song.

  As the beat slowly awakens me from my haze I notice a very curious Zeke and Elena eyeing us from a few feet away. Having been caught staring they quickly start dancing in our direction. Damon must have noticed them as well for he takes a leisurely step back. My heart drops at our sudden lack of connection and it takes everything in me not to turn to him.

  "Hey girl!" Elena calls out to me, grinning wildly.

  "I thought you didn't dance" Zeke accuses as he wiggles his eyebrows at me suggestively.

  "I don't" I grumble, even as I find myself wishing for another slow song to come one.

  "Bull!" He laughs as he bounces to the music.

  "I'm just going to..." I start to turn as if to leave but am instantly stopped.

  "Don't even think about it!" Elena scolds as she grabs my hand and pulls me back towards them. "I saw your moves" She winks.

  "Yea, lets buggy!" Zeke shouts earning him a call of agreement from his new friend who eagerly dances around him.

  I can't help but laugh and eventually give in. Moving hesitantly at first, swaying with the beat while my friends jumped around excitedly. Stefan takes a hold of Elena and twirls her around expertly. Zeke and his friend, who eventually introduces herself as Sara, are content jumping and flailing to the beat. At least they look like they are having fun. I try to let loose, like I did before, but I find myself once again lost in my head.

  I start debating sneaking off the dance floor when Damon suddenly grabs my hand and spins me to face him. He bounces with the beat, and his energy is contagious. I find myself again following his lead as he pulls me close to him. He runs his hand over my hips, making me sway to the music with him.

  Once more the butterflies in my stomach start their dance, but it's a pleasant feeling. I laugh as Damon raises his hands over his head and waives them with the rhythm of the music. When he lowers his hands he runs them through my hair, pulling me closer to him even more.

  Zeke Bounces off of me in that moment, loudly singing along to the song. I laugh as he pulls me with him, but my eyes find their way to Damon, who continues to watch me. I bite my lip as I begin to sway, to distracted to really get into the music. The way he was looking at me, the way he pulled me close, was he going to kiss me?

  Zeke snaps me out of my thoughts by bumping into me with his hip, encouraging me to join in his jumping. I laugh and bump him back, and stick my tongue out at him. Damon shimmies over and dances alongside of me, smirking playfully as he watches me wiggle with the music.

  On second thought, maybe I do dance.