(WARNING: Sexual assault and references to rape. Please take your mental health into consideration before continuing.)

"I finally found it!" Mia rejoiced, bouncing happily into the parlour.

"You've found what, sweetheart?" Klaus questioned. He stood before the easel, his paint brush flicking across the canvas as he brought it to life with his art.

"My ribbon, the one that goes with your eyes." She dangled the fabric in front of his face, "See, it's a perfect match, isn't it?"

"Yes." Klaus murmured, staring straight at the girl, who was too excited to notice. "Completely perfect."

"I also embroidered an N on it." She grinned, pointing at the letter that was sewn in, just a few shades darker than the ribbon itself. "This way everyone will know it's yours."

"Thank you.......this shade would be perfect to paint the sky." Klaus smiled, taking the material from her hands. "Now, I must continue with my hideous painting."

"I'm sure she didn't mean it, Nik." Mia comforted, referring to the events of the previous day in which Rebekah had insulted her brother's art. 

The Petrova stood behind the man and rested her chin upon his shoulder, admiring the illustration. "It's very pretty." She tilted her head slightly. "What is it?"

"The Roman Bridge in Cordoba. It's built across the Guadalquivir river." His finger trailed above the canvas, showing her the intricate elements.

 Mia couldn't fight off the smile that appeared, finding it endearing how passionately he spoke about his interests. She made a habit of asking him many questions, in the hopes he would share stories and he obliged every time. Talking for hours on end whilst she sat across him and listened intently, making note of each detail.

Klaus looked to his shoulder at Mia, "I'll take you here one day." The two gazed at each other for a few moments, refraining from closing the distance between them, no matter how much they each desired to.

"Nik, for heaven's sake." Rebekah interrupted, walking into the room. She arched a brow, taking notice of how they both broke apart with flustered expressions. "Will you stop with that incessant drawling? I highly doubt she's interested." 

"I assure you sister, my drawling is far more interesting than your constant whining." He mocked, an idea came to mind so he grabbed Mia's hand whilst the Petrova chatted away with Rebekah, paying no attention to him. 

"..... which is why you should apologise to him." Mia attempted to reason with the Mikaelson girl, she felt a slight squeeze then glanced down to see that Klaus had tied a bow around her wrist, with the ribbon.

"I'm not apologising for anything." Rebekah refused, "He deserves it, always trying to steal you away from me."

"I can't help it if she's fonder of me, I tend to have that effect." He teased. The blonde haired girl held Mia's hand and pulled her away from him, leading her to the Chesterfield sofa. Klaus looked at the material wrapped around her wrist and smiled. After hearing the Petrova say that the embroidered letter would inform people that the ribbon belonged to him, he figured that as long as it remained on her, the same thing would apply, enlightening other men to stay away.

"Tosser." Rebekah mumbled under her breath, she nudged Mia gently then whispered in her ear. "Ask him."

"He's going to say no." Mia whispered back, glancing over to make sure he wasn't listening. 3 days prior when they were in the bar, Mia had tripped over a loose floorboard which caused a purple bruise to taint her tan skin. After that Klaus had refused to let the two go there again, leaving their evenings to be spent at home, bored.

"He won't say no to you." Rebekah pressed further, she could see the effect the brunette had on her brother and was more than willing to use it to her advantage. "You must act upset, he can't resist your sad doe eyes."

"Hush, that isn't true." Mia brushed off however became intrigued and decided to test the theory. She let out a long sigh and was caught off guard to see Klaus staring at her, his eyes filled with concern.

"What's the matter?" He placed his paint brush down and made his way to the girl, taking a seat beside her. 

"Nothing." She lowered her head and fidgeted with the beads on her dress, attempting to appear as innocent as possible. Rebekah faced her back to them in order to conceal her smile, the Petrova's acting had impressed her and she found Klaus' sudden acts of care hilarious.

"It's just that...." Mia started, she noticed how he leaned forward with interest. "Never mind, it's silly." She looked away, sighing once again. Rebekah's muffled giggles could be heard next to her but Klaus paid them no attention.

"Tell me." Klaus took held her hand, he grew suspicious and his eyes suddenly burned with fury, "Has someone upset you?"

"No, it's not that." Mia stroked his arm, the gesture caused the hairs on his neck to stand. "I was just wondering if we could all go out."

"That's all?" His expression softened immediately as a sense of relief washed over him, "You're still hurt." He gestured to the mark resting on her leg.

"It doesn't pain me anymore, I promise." She lied, her leg ached with every step but she'd learnt how to hide the irritation of it. "I know you're busy tonight but please could me and Rebekah just go?"

"It doesn't feel right, the two of you going alone."

"I'll have you know, I am perfectly capable of handling myself and taking care of Mia!" Rebekah interjected, her outburst earned her a scowl from her brother.

Mia cupped his chin, turning his face back towards her, "Please, Nik." She rubbed her thumb against his cheek, tracing his dimple. "It's been days since we've had proper fun and we'll be safe under Miss Gloria's watch."

He hesitated to answer, knowing she would pull away once it was given. The two girls stared at him in anticipation, "Fine." He sighed then faced Rebekah, "Make sure she's safe."

"And what about me?" Rebekah scoffed, "I'm your sister for flip's sake."

"Well as you so eloquently put it, you're perfectly capable of handling yourself." Klaus deadpanned, feeling a sense of achievement after Mia quietly laughed at his remark. Once Rebekah had left to get ready, he turned to the Petrova. "She still hasn't apologised."

"Has it really offended you so? Or are you simply searching for an excuse to be angry?" Mia asked, before Klaus could answer a bellowing voice spoke from the nearest bedroom.

"Nik, you absolute wanker!" Rebekah yelled. 

"Quick." He grabbed Mia's hand and they darted into the cloakroom, locking the door behind them. Mia's back pressed against the wall as Klaus stood before her, their chests touching and faces inches from each other.

"What on earth did you do?" Mia whispered, she became conscious of their close proximity and took deep breaths in an attempt to slow her heart, aware that Klaus would be able to hear it racing.

"Nothing ghastly, I simply poured paint into her makeup." Klaus smiled innocently.

Mia's jaw dropped and she lightly slapped his shoulder, "You're horrible, that's foul thing to do. Her face will be stained, do you understand how importa-" 

"Shh." He interrupted, hovering his finger above her mouth. "She'll hear us." Footsteps became louder as Rebekah marched towards the door. The tainted faced blonde listened in and could hear the two's faint laughter, she smiled to herself, feeling grateful that they were both happy and decided to postpone her plans for revenge, waiting for the right moment.

Mia sighed with relief once the steps had retreated, she looked up to see Klaus smirking down at her, "You know..... you're my favourite person, Nik." She smiled nervously, awaiting his response.

His gaze dipped to her bottom lip that was gently captured between her teeth, he brushed his thumb across it, releasing it from the hold. "And you're mine." His hands trailed down her sides in a ghostly manner, the contact faint but striking. Klaus acknowledged the surprise painted in her expression, and leaned forward hesitantly, his thoughts fixated on one thing. 

All of a sudden the door flung open as the handle was pulled from its socket. The two whirled around to see Rebekah stood there with a mischievous grin, with paint smeared across her cheeks. "Mia darling, come help me wash this off." 

The Petrova nodded and left the closet, briefly glancing back at Klaus and wondered if the signs of interest he was showing were simply part of her imagination. 

"As you were." Rebekah cocked her head to the side, smiling smugly as her brother glared at her. She tossed the broken handle in his hands and walked away, ignoring the muttered curses he was aiming at her. 

He was furious with the interruption and his anger was fuelled by the fact Rebekah had done it intentionally, the urge to drive a dagger through her heart was stronger as ever. The only thing that swayed the rage slightly was the image of Mia smiling at him as innocently, as beautifully as she just had, and the words she'd said.

I'm her favourite person. 

~~~~

"Honestly Mimi you could be so pretty if you tried." A woman with auburn hair twirled with a lock of Mia's curls. "Long hair isn't the fashion, you stick out awfully."

Mia shifted uncomfortably, her insecurities becoming more prominent in her mind. She pressed her lips into a line, feeling very offended until she recalled the memories of Rebekah saying how envious she was of the Petrova's long locks, and the way Klaus would toy with the strands whenever they'd be sat together.

"Thank you for the suggestion, Daisy." She flashed a fake smile, "I'll take it into consideration."

"I only want what's best for you, darling." Daisy turned to the raven haired woman next to her, "God, Florence would you take a look at Rebekah."

"What was going through her mind when she decided to wear that?" Florence sneered with a crinkled nose. Rebekah was busy talking to Gloria across the room, ignoring the nasty looks she was receiving all because she was wearing trousers.

"I think she looks gorgeous, as she always does." Mia spoke up, outraged at the insults directed at her friend. "I see nothing wrong with her attire." She understood why the Mikaelson was always so disinclined to associate with these women. But today, she was preoccupied assisting Gloria and suggested that Mia sat by the bar due to her injury.

Completely unfazed, Daisy glanced at Mia, noticing the crease in her eyebrows as they were furrowed in anger. "Don't pull faces like that sweetie, you'll get awful frown lines." She brought her hand forward to touch Mia but the brunette caught her arm.

The red-head's eyes fell to the blue ribbon residing on the Petrova's wrist, "Mimi, that colour completely clashes with your dress." Upon seeing the stitched N, she gripped Mia's hand, bringing it to her eyes in order to scrutinize it. "N as in Nik?"

"Klaus." Mia corrected, "You don't get to call him Nik."

"That man is something else entirely." Florence swooned, leaning in as if confidential information was being shared.

"I would pay anything for him to have his way with me." Daisy smirked, she bit her bottom lip whilst Mia stared at her with a mix of shock and disgust.

"He has firm hands, doesn't he?" Florence began, "Oh, I wager he's an absolute beast in be-"

"Stop it!" Mia snapped, her skin crawled with uneasiness "Stop speaking about him like that."

The two women sat before her, burst into hysteric laughter, "Don't tell me you fancy him." Florence spoke between cackles, "Do you seriously believe he would ever go for a seraph like you?"

"Poor little Amelia." Daisy condescended, "Destined to carry a torch for all of eternity. No man would be interested in such a prude."

"If you don't shut your mouth the next thing to come out of it will be your teeth." Rebekah fumed as she appeared behind the women. "Be gone, all of you." Once they'd dispersed she pulled Mia into an embrace. "Take no notice of them darling. Just a group of she-devils."

"I'm okay, Bex." Mia assured, the blonde felt a warmth in her heart at the newly given nickname. "You still need to help Gloria with her wedding dress designs, carry on. I'll be fine here." Rebekah detected the girl's downcast expression and thought it best to oblige with what she said.

Mia sat by the bar, drinking the lemonade Tommy, the bartender had made especially for her. Her mind raced with the remarks the girls had shot at her, this meant she was unaware when someone had taken a seat next to her.

"Por que tan triste, mariposa?" Why so sad, butterfly? A deep voice startled her, causing her to flinch. The man let out a deep chuckle, "Calmate, eres un timida, no?" Take it easy, you're a timid one, no?

"I'm sorry, I don't understand." Mia stammered, recognising him to be the unknown man from a few weeks prior.

"Apologies, I assumed you were Mexican." He moved closer, "You give off the aura." 

"I am, however I haven't been taught Spanish." She confessed, during her childhood she'd asked Veronica Fell several times for a book so she could learn but the woman refused, declaring it unnecessary and improper.

"No need to be embarrassed, mariposa." He smiled, he looked around to make sure Rebekah was nowhere in sight.

"You're mysterious man." Mia stated. When he rose a brow in confusion she explained, "I saw you a while back, I didn't catch your name so I decided to call you mysterious man." The ring with a blue lapis lazuli gemstone on his finger caught her eye and she squeaked in alarm. "Please don't be offended I hav-"

"My name is Mariano." He interrupted, rubbing his tan hands together. He thanked Mia after she complimented the name then continued. "I saw you too, with Niklaus Mikaelson. Are you friends with him?"

"Best friends." She nodded, beaming. "I reside with him and his sister, Rebekah."

"And it doesn't bother you..... what he is?" Mariano quizzed, detecting the surprise in the girl's eyes.

"What do you mean? Nik is just a normal person." Mia gulped, playing with her satin gloves. "A perfectly regular human being." Very convincing Mia, you fool. Well done.

"Miss, I assure you. I know everything about that man." Mariano sneered, "And I'm not referring to .... whatever he is. I'm talking about his foul, evil nature."

"He isn't evil." Mia crossed her arms over her chest, "He's had a very difficult life."

"We've all had difficult lives, little one. That is no excuse to act the way he does." The man snarked, he espied Rebekah coming towards them so took off after saying one last thing. "Ask him about Marisol, then see if he's still the perfect gentleman you perceive him to be."

"What did he want?" Rebekah scowled.

"You know him?" Mia questioned.

"We've met before, briefly. He's an awful little ma-"

"Who's Marisol?" Mia blurted out, the curiosity was eating away at her. "He said to ask about Marisol."

Rebekah pursed her lips in discontent, debating on whether to answer the question. She looked at the girl, who was leant forward in waiting. "His wife."

"Nik's married?!" Mia exclaimed, catching the attention of those around her. "Sorry." She smiled sheepishly then turned to Rebekah and whispered. "Nik's married?!" 

"No, not Nik." Rebekah laughed, shaking her head. "Marisol is Mariano's wife."

They have matching names. "But then..... what does she have to do with Nik?"

"My brother, being the complete fool he is, had an affair with her about 20 years ago." Rebekah told her quietly, Mia's eyes widened as she spoke. "Mariano found out and killed the girl, now he blames Nik for the destruction of their marriage."

"Oh." Mia murmured, her bottom lip jutted out into a pout. Hearing about Klaus with another woman caused her to feel discomfort. She'd grown very fond of the Mikaelson man in the last few weeks and had a strong attachment to him. To her, he was beautiful, perfect. He spoke to her with gentleness, and treated her with great care. 

Mia found herself wondering what it'd be like to be loved by him, to be his. She spent long nights mimicking what his touch would feel like as her hands drifted across her body. But she was convinced it was unrequited, that he couldn't possibly feel the same way.

"Mia?" Rebekah shook the girl slightly, she was aware of how the Petrova felt about her brother. Mia hadn't told her, she didn't need to. It was evident in everything she did, just as it was with Klaus. However the two constantly avoided the issue, neither of them bothering to break first. The Mikaelson girl began to regret interrupting them earlier that day, that'd been Klaus' attempt of establishing the bond he desired but Rebekah got in the way.

"I'm okay." Mia mumbled before waving Tommy over, "Can I have a drink please?"

"A Gin Rickey, if that's okay." She added before the bartender had the chance to make another lemonade. She'd lost interest in the citrus drink, it wasn't strong enough to soothe the burn that'd appeared in her heart.

"Are you sure about that kiddo?" Tommy furrowed his brows, glancing over at Rebekah, who nodded in approval. "All right. One Gin Rickey coming up."

Before Rebekah could start Mia spoke up, "I'm fine Bex, I just want to try it..... please could I be alone for a while?"

"Mia." Rebekah sighed, stroking the girl's arm. "I'm not sure this is a good idea, you told me yourself that you haven't had a proper drink since...."

"Since I ended up bedding my best friend and coming to be with child." Mia completed, a fake smile carved into her lips, "I know and if it grants you any ease, I promise not to skate around. I can hardly walk."

"You'll be okay?" Rebekah's heart ached for the girl, the soft spot she'd developed for her seemed to be expanding each day. It was healing to have someone to talk to, someone to confide in.

"Of course, I won't even drink that much."

~~~~

"She can't even stand straight!" Tommy exclaimed, gesturing to the opposite side of the room, where the brunette was swaying around, absentmindedly singing.

"She's fine." Rebekah brushed off, she thought if she said it enough times it would become true, one could clearly see that Mia anything but fine. "Just a little tipsy."

"Tipsy? Tipsy?!" Tommy shifted nervously on the spot, wringing his hands. "She's absolutely hammered. If Klaus finds out..."

"Stop working yourself up. George is watching out for her and she's hardly a danger to anyone." Rebekah placed her hands on his shoulders, holding him in place. "Klaus won't find out."

"Klaus won't find out about what?" A voice quizzed from behind them, they whipped around revealing a suspicious looking Klaus. "Go on, don't let me stop you. What won't I find out?"

A heavenly laugh came from across the room, causing Klaus to look in the direction of its origin and finding Mia, who now hugging an anxious George. "She's drunk?!"

"Yes." Rebekah's shoulders slumped, "She was only meant to have one but it ended up being ..... more than one. Many, in fact."

"And where were the two of you when this was happening?" Klaus arched a brow. Rebekah and the bartender glanced at each other, their faces filled with guilt and becoming flushed. The Mikaelson girl bowed her head in shame whilst Tommy pretended someone was calling for him and walked away.

As Klaus opened his mouth to scold his sister, a pair of arms wrapped themselves around his chest from behind and a familiar giggle was heard. "My Nik."

Klaus rotated in Mia's arms so he could face her, the grin on her face made it impossible for him to be angry with her so he smiled back. "Having fun tonight, sweetheart?"

"The most." She grabbed his hand, leading him to the bar. "Come, you simply must meet my new friend George." Once they'd reached it, she looked around and gasped, "He's disappeared!"

"I'm right here, Mia." George waved his hand, sitting only a metre away from her.

"Amelia." Klaus corrected, glaring at the man. "You don't get to call her Mia."

"No, George was wearing a coat." Mia argued, "You're not wearing one."

"I took it off." He chuckled but swiftly stopped when he received a warning look from the Mikaelson stood beside her.

"He thinks I'm a fool." She mumbled then rested her hands on Klaus' chest, pouting in disappointment. "I really wanted you to meet him."

"Perhaps another night, love." He held her face in his hands, "It's getting rather late. We should go home."

"Home." Mia hummed, smiling lazily before waving at George, "Goodbye you fiend. I hope one day you will find an identity of your own so you no longer have to steal others." She stood between Klaus and Rebekah, linking an arm with each sibling and left, all of them unaware that they were being watched.

"Halfwits, the lot of them." Mariano grumbled, sat across the bar.

"Do you want to act tonight, boss?" A younger man with striking grey eyes asked.

"No, not tonight." Mariano replied, taking a sip from his glass. "You see, Santiago. There's a way to deal with men like Niklaus Mikaelson, create an illusion."

"Let them think they're in control." Santiago added, he craved the approval of the older man. He'd just lost his parents when they'd met, Mariano took him in, gave him a home. So when Marisol was killed he saw that there was only one person in fault and that was Klaus.

"Precisely." Mariano nodded, "Niklaus likes having a perfect untouched angel. Her pureness, naivetés helps him to feel..." A grimace appeared on his face as his mind foraged for the right word. "Good."

Mariano rose from his chair, placing money on the counter, "So we carry out what he will inevitably do ...... we ruin her."

"See if he's as interested in his little toy then." Santiago smirked, pulling on his blazer. "My bet is he drops her within a week."

The older man shook his head, "Ella no estara viva cuando terminemos con ella." She won't be alive when we're done with her.

Outside the club, Mia squealed as Klaus lifted her off the ground, carrying her bridal style. "Put me down, Nik. I can walk by myself."

"I disagree, you can hardly stand." Klaus contended, he continued to walk, holding her close to him.

"I can walk perfectly fine." Mia mocked in his accent, then threw her head back laughing. "I must say, this is my new favourite form of transportation."

"Then I shall take you everywhere this way." Klaus spun her around, causing more melodic laughter to echo.

"Careful, Nik." Rebekah scolded. "You'll make her be sick."

"Actually, I don't feel the slightest bit ill." Mia stated, "Perhaps alcohol doesn't affect me that way."

~~~~

"It's okay, darling. Let it out." Rebekah rubbed Mia's back as the latter was hunched over the toilet, vomiting. 

"Is she alright?" Klaus voiced from behind the door.

"Don't let him in." Mia spoke between heaves, "He can't see me like this, I'm a mess."

"You're not a mess." Klaus consoled, opening the door. He flinched back when a hairbrush came flying towards him, hitting him on the forehead. 

Rebekah pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle her laughs, "Nik, just get out before she throws another one."

"I'm never drinking again." Mia breathed out as tears rolled down her face. "You'd think I'd have learnt my lesson from last time."

After an hour Klaus stood outside the Petrova's bedroom door with his hand hovering by the wood. He took a deep breath and knocked, opening the door cautiously in the fear something heavier would be launched at him this time.

"Don't worry, I've run out of ammunition." Mia spoke from the bed, laid back under the covers with her hair flowing down the pillow. She sat up straight and fixed her night dress, revealing more skin. 

"That's a relief." Klaus sat on the edge of the bed and handed her a bowl, "I brought you strawberries, I wasn't sure if you liked them."

"I love them." The brunette beamed, taking a bite out of the fruit whilst Klaus' gaze followed the motion of her lips. "If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be these."

She looked up at him gave a guilty look, "Now I feel bad for hitting you. Did it hurt?"

"Yes, to be quite frank it did hurt a bit." Klaus mumbled, hoping for some sympathy. He found it alarming how much he craved her affection.

"Awh, I'm sorry." She moved out of the covers and kneeled behind him. One hand kneading his shoulder whilst the other raked through his hair, massaging his scalp. The alcohol coursing through her veins had caused the sudden surge of bravery and she was pleased when he didn't pull away.

"It's fine." Klaus exhaled a long breath, closing his eyes in bliss.

"There was a man today, spreading poison about you. But I didn't believe a word of it, you wouldn't do those horrible deeds." She brought her mouth close to his ear and whispered, "My Nik is perfect."

Mia leaned in and placed kisses along his jaw. She wanted to prove Florence and Daisy wrong, show that she wasn't a prude. Klaus' eyes shot open as her soft lips moved lower, trailing down his neck, gently sucking at the skin. He held his breath, keeping back anything that was threatening to escape.

But he knew it was wrong, the girl was clearly intoxicated and not in her right mind to be aware of anything that was being done, "Mia, stop." He moved away slowly, "Go to bed."

"Urgh, such a fun killer." Mia whined, falling back on the mattress. "You're not my favourite person anymore."

"You're still mine." Klaus smiled, placing a light blanket over her, "Get some rest."

"But I'm not the slightest bit tired." The Petrova said, a small yawn escaped her mouth only a few seconds later. "You're infuriating."

"Am I?" Klaus tilted his head, gazing endearingly as her.

"Yes, you are." Mia hummed, turning her back to him. Just as she was overtaken by sleep she mumbled something that immediately caught the man's attention, "But I still love you."

She's drunk. Klaus pressed his lips to her forehead and left the room. Certain that the alcohol caused her to speak untruths.

The next morning he entered her bedroom and quietly laughed when he saw her expression, "How are you feeling?"

"Horrid." She complained, burying her head under the pillow, "I feel like death, my brain aches and my eyes are stinging terribly."

"Well gin is known to have that effect." Klaus placed a glass of water on her nightstand, she realised that she couldn't recall the events of the previous night, including the acts of lust. "Drink, you'll feel better. Then if you're well enough by tonight, I promise I'll meet you at the bar."

"Really." She peeked from under the pillow, "Wait, no I'm angry with you."

"What did I do now?" Klaus sighed, thinking back to everything he'd done wrong in his life.

"Marisol. Does that name ring any bells to you?" Mia crossed her arms, attempting to appear stern. "A married woman, Nik! Are you deranged?"

"Well in my defence I didn't know she was married." Klaus smiled sheepishly.

"Oh, don't act as though that would've dissuaded, you crude man." Mia sassed then returned back to her blanket barrier, "Okay, now begone. I need my rest."

As Klaus walked out he couldn't help but feel a surge of guilt for what he'd just done. The beverage he'd given contained drops of his blood in them. In hopes to heal her but he also knew it was deceiving to withhold the information from her.

~~~~

"Rebekah please could you help me with this crate?" Tommy voiced from inside the store room. Mia and the Mikaelson both laughed at his unconvincing excuse to get her alone.

"I'll be back." Rebekah smirked before strutting into the room and locking the door.

"What kind of friend leaves someone alone?" Santiago took a seat beside Mia, once she smiled warmly at him he knew the plan would succeed. It was clear to anyone that she meant a lot to Klaus so it was time to do to him as he'd done to Mariano.

"It's for the greater good. I think they're in love." Mia explained, looking around for Klaus, who'd promised to meet up with her. However he was over an hour late so she'd given up on seeing him at all, wondering if she had done something to upset him. "It's amazing, don't you think? Having someone to love and receiving that same affection in return."

"I wouldn't know, baby. I'm yet to find that love." Santiago shuffled closer to her, showing her his daylight ring. "And I've been around a long time."

"You're a vampire too." Mia spoke quietly, resting her chin upon her palm. "I seem to be meeting quite a lot, these past few months."

"It must be something about you." He brought his hand forward and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Because to me, I see that I'm sat in the presence of an angel." 

He smirked when she noticed her blushing, "You see, us dark creatures are attracted to the light. It calms us, helps us to believe that there may be good in us after all. And you my sweet ..... well let's just say compared to these other girls, there isn't really much of a competition."

Mia wanted to object, she despised when men would insult other women in an attempt to compliment another. She found it to be incredibly unattractive however once she made eye contact with his silvery stare, she found herself unable to say anything.

"I heard you singing earlier, you sounded fantastic." Santiago praised, he knew Mariano would be angry that he was talking with the girl but he couldn't resist. It was a source of entertainment for him, charming the victims. "I'd love to see what other talents that pretty mouth can do."

"I can whistle." Mia bragged, grinning proudly.

"Show me." Just as her lips formed an O, they were interrupted.

"She will do no such thing." Klaus fumed, it irked him when he saw her with other men. The girl was too trusting and didn't realise that not everyone had honourable intentions. Although he could hardly blame her for that, he was known to be one of the most ruthless people on Earth yet he'd been nothing but kind to her. She tried to see the good in everyone, even when there wasn't any to be seen.

"Ah, Niklaus." Santiago cheered, "How nice of you to join us."

"Do I know you?" Klaus deadpanned.

"No but your reputation precedes you. You're quite remarkable." Santiago falsely praised, "I was just busy talking to your delightful little friend here. Why don't I order us some champagne, we can have a drink."

"She doesn't like champagne." Klaus gritted, he curled an arm around Mia's waist and tugged her closer to him. "You're more than welcome to drink on your own."

"Of course, many people say I enjoy the sound of my own voice." Santiago winked at the Petrova, "See you around, mariposa." 

Mia's brows furrowed in confusion at the mention of that name. She found it suspicious how he called her the same thing Mariano had but brushed it aside when a bouquet blocked her vision. "I brought you flowers." Klaus handed them to her, "I was uncertain as to which ones, as you know...."

"Roses are the safest choice." They both said in unison, smiles appearing on both their faces as they recalled the first night they met.

"So I brought you azaleas, I hope they're okay." He loved how her face would light up with joy as the faint dimples in her cheeks grew deeper.

"They're perfect." She lifted them to her face, inhaling the scent. "I love them."

I love you. "I'm glad." Klaus extended a hand to her, "Let's find a booth to sit in."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Miss Madeleine was wondering if I could take care of her child on some occasions." Mia adored telling Klaus random things about her day and he adored listening to them, "She's the sweetest little thing, only a year old. I thought it would be good practise for the future."

"Sounds perfect." Klaus murmured, she didn't detect the disappointment in his voice but it would've been clear to anyone else. He'd forgotten how much she longed for a child of her own and to him it meant there was no clear future for the two of them. After all, vampires could not procreate.

~~~~

"What is this I hear Rebekah, about you and Thomas." Klaus pried as the trio walked along the streets on their way home.

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're referring to." Rebekah shrugged, moving ahead of them, "Thomas is a close friend."

"I think Tommy's fond of you, Bex." Mia wriggled her eyebrows, "And I think you may be very fond of him. You should put your fear aside and tell him how you feel"

"Oh, hush you." Rebekah nudged her, fighting off a smile "You're not one to talk about declarations of love."

"What do you mean?" Klaus clenched his fists, assuming Rebekah was implying that Mia was in love with another.

"Oh, nothing." Rebekah sang.

"Wait." Mia stopped abruptly, "I forgot to pick up your gift." The siblings stared at her in confusion so she continued, "Nik, I ordered you a gift from Miss Violet's shop but she told me I had to wait 2 days. It's ready today, I have to go get it."

"We'll come with you." Klaus began walking the opposite way until Mia blocked his path.

"No, it'll spoil the surprise." She pushed him back gently, "You and Rebekah wait home and I'll go retrieve it."

"It's not safe at night, Mia." Klaus warned, shaking his head.

"Nonsense." Mia brushed off, "I'll be perfectly fine, now go. I won't be long." Although every part of him was urging him to insist he accompanied her, Klaus and Rebekah carried on walking leaving Mia alone.

She wanted to be as quick as possible so opted to talking a backroad, "Hasn't anyone told you it's not safe at night." A voice echoed ahead of her, the figure came into the light, revealing Mariano.

"You frightened me." Mia leaned back against the wall, trying to control her breath, "I thought it was someone awful."

"Horrible no comienza a describirme." Awful doesn't begin to describe me. He walked closer to her. 

"I've told you I don't understand." Mia scolded him lightly. 

"Then I'll teach you. I'm very good at teaching." He crossed his arms, eyeing up his prey, "In fact I'm carrying out a lesson right now." 

"And what lesson would that be?" Mia quizzed.

"Not to play with things that aren't yours." Mariano leered, he saw and confusion contorted Mia's features. "But this lesson isn't for you ...... it's for Niklaus."

Mia felt her heart sink in her chest and she took off in a run, the sounds of her heels bashing against the concrete sounded throughout the entire street. She stopped in her tracks once Santiago had appeared in front of her, "Hi, baby."

The Petrova punched him in the face then carried on sprinting whilst he was caught off guard. She felt a strong force push her and she dropped to the ground. Hand wrapped around each ankle and dragged her across the concrete, scraping the skin off her knees then flipped her over.

"You little bitch." Santiago hissed, hovering above her. "You're gonna pay for that." His hands rubbed along her body harshly, feeling a sense of superiority believing he was the first one to touch her. A hand snuck under her dress whilst she let out screams.

"Nik!" Mia shrieked as she tried to push the man off her, her palms whacked against his chest but he grabbed both wrists with one hand and held them above her head. "Nik, help me!"

He covered her mouth with his hand and brought his face millimetres away from hers, "Your perfect Nik can't help you. He's the reason you're in this position."

Santiago wiped away the tears that streamed down past her eyes, "No crying, you don't want to ruin your pretty face." He leaned down and inhaling her scent as her body seized, trying to break free. Santiago struck her across the face, causing more muffled sounds of pain to leave her mouth. However he didn't realise that he'd released her wrists.

"It's nothing personal, mariposa." Mariano glared down at her, "We're just getting justice for my wife."

Mia grabbed Santiago's head and brought it to her bent knee, the sickly sound of his noise breaking caused her to feel a small amount of pride. She then kicked him in the groin, scrambling from the floor and staggering away as fast as she could.

Mariano darted in front of her, using his vamp speed. "You didn't think you could get away that easily, did you?"

Before she had a chance to call for help, he placed his hand on her head and a sharp snap sounded.

"For Marisol." Mariano whispered, dropping her to the ground then stepping over her body.

Her lifeless body.

A/N: HELLO MY DARLINGSSS. I hope you enjoyed that chapter (obviously not the end). I wrote this on 1 hour of sleep at 7am so forgive me if it doesn't make sense. It's unedited so there will most likely be mistakes but I'm sure it's still readable.... i think.

Please remember to vote. I tried to add some humour in most of it to compensate for the ending. What was your favourite part?

Please know that you can message me anytime, I love speaking to you guys and I'm here for you always.

But heyyy I have something to cheer you up. You wanna see something cool. My friend 97hurt made me something really cool for Mia.

Before I show you this I would once again like to state that 97hurt DOES NOTTTTT have a graphic shop so please do not bother her with your requests. I have explained this several times yet people still ask her. Sorry if this sounds mean... just don't ask her.

Okay now I'll show you

AREN'T THEY SOOO CUTEEE. Her talent >>>>>>

That's all I have to say, but feel free to leave ur rants about this chapter here:

LOVE YOUUUU

Published:18th April 2022