11th November 2003

"Relly?" Mia mumbled sleepily, she woke up to the cold air and an empty space beside her.

"I'm right here, Ames." a voice spoke softly. Mia sat up and gazed at the girl, who was busy painting. She adored the look of concentration etched upon on her face, with her eyebrows furrowed and the occasional nose scrunch. "I couldn't sleep so I thought I might as well stay up til 6 then I have to go." Relly worked 12 hour shifts at an art museum which meant she never had any free time during the day. However this worked to Mia's advantage as she didn't have a daylight ring so the long shifts ensured that Relly wouldn't ask to see her before sunset. Except in summer time when the sun would set later, Mia had a long list of excuses that came into use.

Mia got up and approached Relly, wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her chin upon her shoulder. Her eyes studied the art that was being created, she couldn't explain it but she found it very attractive when a person had an artistic talent, whether that was singing, dancing, painting and playing instruments or simply being handy with tools. "It's beautiful, an outstanding piece in the Esmerelda Dubois collection."

"Thanks," Relly giggled, "but do you think it's NYU good?" The Dubois girl had applied to study art at New York University, she'd been saving up all her money to be able to move there. She desperately wanted Mia to join her but every time she would bring up the topic, it would always end in an argument.

"Of course it is," Mia reassured "They'd be idiots if they didn't let you in, complete numbskulls." She leaned into her girlfriend's neck, kissing her gently.

"I'm painting." Relly's eyes fluttered shut in pleasure but she didn't want to give in easily. "Ames, I'm painting"

"Carry on," Mia spoke dismissively, "I'm not stopping you." Her kisses trailed up to Relly's jaw and she gently nipped at the skin. The sound of blood pumping through the veins was needling at her brain but she knew how to restrain herself. The thought of feeding from Relly did cross her mind a lot but she pushed it aside, she knew that she would never hurt her, physically at least.

As the kisses continued, Relly felt her legs tremble as they were about to give in so she took matters into her own hands. Mia something cold on her forehead and looked up to see Relly flicking the paintbrush across her face. "What are you doing?!" she squealed.

"I'm painting," Relly gave her an innocent smile. Her eyes widened as she saw Mia dip her hands into the paint, "No! Ames don't, they're really expensive." she tried to add strictness in her tone but failed miserably.

"I'll buy you new ones," Mia charged towards the girl and smeared her face with blue, Relly picked up her brushed and threw it, splattering yellow over the Petrova girl's clothes. "That's it." Mia's eyes narrowed, as she picked up the pot and aimed in the direction of her girlfriend. It shot through the air, its contents releasing across the room. Relly dodged it causing her to stumble and fall on the bed as Mia made her way towards her. She ripped off the girl's shirt and threw the remains to the side. Her hands trailed down Relly's body, staining it with different colours and the girl lay down, trying to catch her breath. "See, I'm good at painting too." Mia smiled triumphantly, proud of her work, "An outstanding piece in the Amelia Peterson collection." She leaned down, crashing their lips together.

Relly's hands raked through and gently pulled Mia's hair, tainting it purple as the Petrova girl softly moaned at the action. The bedroom door suddenly swung open, the two girls pulled apart as their eyes met Lexi, who was busy taking in the condition of the room. Paint was splattered across the walls and floor and the bedsheets were smeared. She looked at the girls "It looks like Michelangelo splooged all over the room." There wasn't a single part of her that cared about the slight destruction of the room, all that mattered to her was that her best friend was happy. "I was just checking if you guys wanted anything but ..... carry on." She turned around and left, closing the door behind her.

"Oh my god," Relly buried her face in Mia's chest, "That was so embarrassing."

"It's fine, it's only Lexi," Mia stroked the girl's back "Besides I've walked in on her and Lee doing worse things sooo..... it's okay. I'm gonna have a shower, get this paint off." She rose from the bed and made her way to the bathroom when she heard footsteps behind her, she looked back and saw Relly following her "What are you doing?"

"I'm joining you. You know save water, save the planet."

They'd gotten out of the shower. After spending an hour eating food and watching television in their towels they decided to get ready. "Why don't you keep your hair curly?" Relly asked as she clothed herself. 

"I do." Mia gazed into the mirror.

"No," Relly sighed, she walked up to Mia and toyed with her damp hair, "I mean your natural curls. They're so beautiful."

"Because..." Mia turned around and wrapped her arms around the Dubois girl's waist, "Not everyone looks as amazing as you do with curls." Relly looked down, blushing at the compliment but Mia hooked a finger under her chin, tilting her head upwards. "You're absolutely stunning, I love you."

"I love you too," Relly responded, her lips descended upon Mia's, her palms resting on her face. The Petrova girl hands ran down her body, pausing at her shirt as she tugged it upwards. Relly was the first to pull away and her eyes darted to the clock. "Oh shit, I have to go. I'm gonna be late."

After Relly had left, Mia went downstairs to face a smirking Lexi. "You guys look happy," Lexi wiggled her eyebrows. "Do I hear wedding bells?"

"Nope," Mia shook her head as she poured cereal into a bowl, "And you never will."

"Don't you think..." Lexi started, wondering how to approach the situation delicately " you should tell her? About you, about us being vampires. If you think about it, she doesn't know anything about you. She doesn't even know your real name."

"We've been through this already Lex," Mia rebuked "it's too risky."

"But-"

"I'm not having this conversation again, Relly isn't Lee." Mia left the room, feeling guilty for how she treated her best friend but also frustrated that Lexi couldn't understand the reasons behind her actions.

~~~~

A popular café was doing an art exhibition evening for all the local talent and Relly had managed to secure a spot. She stood by herself and sighed sadly, tears forming in her eyes as everyone seemed to ignore her work and focus on others.

"That painting is exquisite," a voice spoke from behind her, "I must have it at once." Relly turned to see Mia standing there holding a bouquet of roses, she approached her, pulling her arms. "I'm sorry I'm late darling. I was getting these," she motioned to the flowers.

"Thank you," Relly took them from her hands and looked away, trying to hide the dismal look on her face.

However Mia noticed it straight away "What's wrong?" when Relly didn't answer Mia's anger began to grow "Has someone said something about your work? Tell me who and I'll fuck them up."

"No," Relly grabbed Mia's arm, she loved how protective Mia would get over her. When they first started dating Mia beat up a guy, who pretended to gag when he saw them kiss. She got him to apologise whilst blood dripped from his nose. And on that same evening Relly declared her love for the girl and they shared their first passionate night together. "No one's said anything. That's the problem, they haven't even looked at my work," she felt the tears begin to pool out of her eyes so she released Mia from her hold and ran to the bathroom.

When she had returned, there was a swarm of people around her painting. She smiled as she heard words of admiration and saw Mia stood by the table. "What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything," Mia smiled innocently, "They all just saw how amazing your work is." She pecked her lips. "How amazing you are."

A woman approached them "Excuse me, are you Esmerelda Dubois?"

"Yes, I am," Relly beamed brightly. Upon hearing this confirmation, others made their way to her, praise spouting from their mouths. Unbeknownst to Relly, when she had gone to the bathroom Mia had compelled almost everyone in the café to go to her painting and praise it. She knew it was wrong and felt guilty for deceiving her girlfriend but the look of joy on her face had made it all worth it. Relly had excused her self from the crowd and approached Mia, "Let's get out here."

"We can't leave yet, they're still complimenting you." 

"I don't need their approval. I have yours and I'm grateful for that," she kissed Mia's jaw, pressed her lips to the shell of Mia's ear and whispered "I think I need to show you how grateful."

~~~~

29th March 2004

"Well, it looks like I won't be wearing a bikini anytime soon," Relly looked down at the marks on her body, from the small bruises on her neck trailing down her stomach, to the red handprint on her hips.

"You still can," Mia rubbed the girl's hip, in attempt to soothe the ache, "It looks hot, you look very much mine." She rolled on her back, stretching her arms and sighed in bliss "I can't believe I've never stayed at yours before, your bed is so comfy and your-"

"Ames, I need to tell you something," Relly interrupted, she took a deep breath and holding back her nerves. "I got into NYU." she mumbled, barely audible.

"Oh my god that's amazing," Mia squealed, she bounced happily on the bed until she noticed the doleful look on the Dubois girl's face. "Isn't it? What's wrong?"

"Promise me you won't get mad."

"That depends on what you're going to tell me."

Relly sat up and leant back on the headboard "I'm not going to NYU." she looked down and played with her hands, avoiding eye contact.

"What do you mean you're not going?" Mia furrowed her brows "Why wouldn't you be going?"

"Because of you," she gulped as she saw the outrage flare in Mia's eyes, "I don't want to leave you."

"No," Mia got up from the bed, searching for her clothes, "You're going to NYU, end of discussion."

"How can it be the end of the discussion when we haven't even discussed it!" Relly retorted.

"Don't be stupid Rel! This is what you've been working towards your entire life, I'm not letting you throw it all away just because of me."

"It's not your choice, it's my decision and I want to stay here."

When her clothes were nowhere to be seen Mia turned to the girl and raised an eyebrow "Did you hide my things?"

"Yes," Relly admitted, her cheeks flushed red with shame "Only because I knew you would try to leave as soon as I told you."

"Fine," Mia rifled through Relly's draw, "I'll just take your clothes."

Relly sat back and quietly giggled "My bras are too small for you and I've hidden yours in a very safe place. You have no choice but to stay."

Mia huffed in frustration until she remembered where Relly would hide everything. Under the dresser. She bent down and collected her belongings, turning around and flashing a deviant smile towards her girlfriend's direction. "You have to go, there's no debate about it." she spoke, pulling the sweater over her head.

"Then come with me," Relly made her way to the girl, "We can find an apartment and start a whole new life together. It would be amazing Ames."

"No." Mia dismissed the idea. She loved Relly but she loved Lexi more and there was no way she would leave her. And she believed it would've been selfish of her to ask Lexi to uproot her life and move to New York just to satisfy her own happiness. 

"Will you just think about it? You haven't even-"

"I'm not coming with you!" Mia shouted, her mouth slightly parted in shock as she saw Relly step back fearfully and could hear her heartbeat becoming faster. "I'm sorry," she murmured "I shouldn't have yelled." Her heart shattered into several pieces when she saw Relly sat on the bed, her lip quivering as tears began to seep through her eyes. "Please, don't cry," she took a seat next to her, "I'm not saying all of this to hurt you."

"I don't want to go anywhere you're not." Relly mumbled as Mia cupped her face, wiping away the tears that fell, "New York means nothing without you."

"I understand babe, but I can't hold you back." she kissed Relly's cheek then rested her forehead against hers. "I love you," she whispered, "And I'm so sorry for this."

"For wha-" Relly started, but she was pulled into a trance as Mia jerked her head up and stared into her eyes, talking slowly.

"You're gonna go to New York and you're going to be amazing. Then you're gonna meet someone, fall in love, have a family and be happy." Her eyes glistened with tears whilst she tried to hold back the sobs that were creeping up her throat, "And you're gonna forget all about me, from now on you don't know anyone named Amelia Peterson. All you know is that I'm a one night stander who doesn't deserve a minute of your time." she leaned in pressing their lips together but it felt as though she was kissing a dead person as Relly remained in the haze. She moved away and made her way to the door.

"Hey," Relly spoke softly as Mia's back faced her. "I can make some coffee or breakfast if you're hungry." Mia's heart ached, begging her to take one last look, instead she took a deep breath and turned the knob. "I make really nice pancakes, I can als-" Relly's words were interrupted by the slamming of the door, "Bitch."

~~~~

7th April 2004

"Hey asshole, don't forget your belt," Lexi threw the object at the man who was exiting Mia's room. Since the Petrova girl had broken up with her girlfriend she spent her nights with drinking, in the arms of strangers, doing anything to feel warmth of affection. She'd bring the men and women back to her house and when she was done with them she would compel them to leave and never speak to her again. It was a destructive cycle and she was aware of that but she couldn't help herself. "Mia," Lexi spoke wearingly, she hated seeing her friend in such pain and it hurt even more that Mia wouldn't confide in her. "You have to stop all this, it isn't healthy."

"I'm just having fun," Mia rolled her eyes, "Since when was that a crime?" her volume rose as her tone became laced in anger "I don't see what's wrong with it and I would appreciate it if you got off my back. You're constantly treating me like I'm some kid. It's suffocating, you're suffocating and so fucking overbearing. So go ahead and judge me but I have never been happier!"

"Carry on," Lexi pressed her lips together, "Go on, take all your anger out on me. At least you're finally speaking to me, let it all out Mia. You can't keep everything bottled up and don't think for a second that you can push me away because I am not going anywhere." She studied the girl's face, but she wore an expression that couldn't be deciphered. "I understand."

"Oh, you understand?" Mia gave a bitter laugh, "Really? Because last I checked, you turned your little human into a vampire. You took away his chance to have a family or you know an actual future, you took the easy route. I didn't do that, I let Relly go because when we bring humans into our world it only ends one way, they fucking die! I had to compel the woman that I love to forget everything that we've gone through, you still have Lee, so don't you dare think for a second that you understand what I'm going through! It's not the same!"

"I know, okay," Lexi exclaimed "I know that it isn't the same thing. It's okay to feel hurt after everything you've gone through, Mia."

"Hurt?" Mia shook her head, "I'm not hurt, I'm fucking angry. I'm angry at myself for even laying eyes on Relly in the first place, for not stepping away the minute I knew I was in love." she picked up a bottle of vodka from her desk and tried to open it "I'm angry at Sebastian's cheating ass and his stupid British accent, I'm angry at NYU and their bullshit art course. And I'm angry that every relationship I have ends in tears," her rage amplified when the vodka lid wouldn't budge, "Why won't this fucking bottle open!" she shrieked, launching it at the wall.

Lexi flinched as the pieces of glass ricocheted across the room, she knelt down and held Mia in her arms, rocking her back and forth. "It's okay, let it out." Mia sobs were practically screams as she wailed into her friend's shoulder. "I'm here for you, Mia. I'm gonna help you." 

And she did, starting by removing all alcohol from Mia's sight and spending a lot more time with her. Lexi discouraged Lee from coming over because she didn't want Mia to feel left out until the Petrova girl had realised Lee's absence and urged him to ignore Lexi's warnings. "Just because I'm single doesn't mean you have to act it."

Mia hurt began to heal as time passed. She knew she had done what was right and hoped that Relly would understand. She missed her dreadfully but the thought of her safe was enough to soothe that ache. 

She would forever remember Esmerelda "Relly"  Dubois as an epic love.

A/N: HELLO MY DARLINGSSSS. I hope you enjoyed that chapter. Honestly I don't like it but it'll have to do.

Please Vote

It was just to include more about Mia and her life before Mystic Falls. And Mia needed a girlfriend.

I can't believe I even have to say this but any homophobic comments will be deleted. Mia is Bi so I was obviously gonna give her a female love interest.

Y'all theres gonna be a bit of a time jump between the next chapter because theres not much for Mia to do in the plot. It's literally just the moonstone and all that crap.

Soooo... next chapter will be after the masquerade but I'm not sure how far after. SORRYYYYY to anyone who wanted to see the masquerade, its just that I've read so many stories of it and I have no clue what Mia would even do. The only people who had a purpose that episode was Bonnie and Lucy.

A very special character is coming next chapter!!!!

WE'RE ALMOST AT 2K READSSSS

Love youuuuu

Published: 15th February 2022