act three, chapter eighteen: the mikaelson ball

- dangerous liaisons -

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Buffy stood in front of the grand entrance to the Mikaelson mansion, her breath momentarily catching in her chest. The night air was crisp, the soft rustle of leaves outside mixing with the faint hum of music coming from inside.

She took a deep breath, adjusting the straps of her dress before she pushed open the double doors and stepped into the decorated room. The chandeliers above gleamed, casting soft golden light over the crowd of elegantly dressed guests.

But as soon as her heels clicked against the marble floor, the room seemed to freeze. Heads turned, eyes locked onto her, and for a moment, Buffy felt like the entire world had come to a standstill.

At the far end of the ballroom, she saw him first—Klaus. His sharp features were softened by a rare, genuine smile, though his gaze was still intense, as though he could see straight through her. His eyes never left her as she walked in, his presence looming over her.

But it wasn't just Klaus. Elijah, standing beside him, straightened slightly, his usually composed demeanor momentarily faltering. His eyes softened, his lips pressing together as though struggling to maintain his perfect calm.

Then there was Rebekah, perched on the arm of a chair, her blonde hair perfectly styled, her posture one of effortless grace. She was gazing at Buffy with a quiet intensity, her lips curling into the slightest of smirks.

Kol, standing next to her, leaned in slightly, his mischievous grin turning into something almost unreadable. He tilted his head, his usual cocky demeanor slightly giving way to something else—curiosity, maybe.

And lastly, Finn. Unlike the others, he stood a little more to the side, arms crossed over his chest. His sharp eyes met Buffy's as though he was following her every movement.

Buffy felt the heat of their gazes all at once, the weight of it pressing down on her. She wasn't sure whether it was a good thing or a dangerous thing, but it was undeniable that they were all watching her with an intensity that left her breathless.

She straightened, lifting her chin slightly, and walked forward into the center of the room where she found Damon and Mayor Lockwood.

Buffy's steps were slow but steady as she walked toward Damon, the weight of the Mikaelsons' gazes heavy on her shoulders. She could feel their eyes on her like a searing touch, and she didn't dare look up at them just yet.

"Well, well," Damon drawled, his gaze flicking over her with an appreciative smirk. "Look who finally decided to grace us with her presence."

Buffy ignored the slight tightening in her chest at the way the Mikaelsons continued to watch her like they were each waiting for her to make her move. She focused on Damon, giving him a playful smile. "I had to make an entrance, didn't I?"

Damon chuckled lowly, pushing off from the column as he took a step closer. "You certainly did that. Though, I think we all know who's getting the most attention in this room."

Buffy chuckled, her voice light, trying to mask the slight flutter in her chest. "I didn't come here to steal your spotlight, Damon," she teased, though her eyes couldn't help but briefly flick toward the Mikaelsons. The intensity in their stares made it feel like she was standing under a spotlight of her own.

"You look very lovely, Buffy." Carol spoke to her with a soft, motherly tone.

Buffy turned to face Carol, offering her a warm smile, though she couldn't help but feel a bit of relief at the interruption. It was like a small escape from the weight of the Mikaelsons' gaze, though she knew it wouldn't last long.

"Thank you, Carol." Buffy said, her tone light. "You look stunning as well.

Kol was the first one of the Mikaelsons who made a move. He walked over and with a charming smile, he reached out and kissed the mayor's hands. "Mayor Lockwood. We haven't formally met. Kol Mikaelson. I hope your lovely town embraces us just as much as we plan to embrace it."

Damon, ever the one to stir the pot, stepped forward, extending his hand toward Kol with an easy grin plastered on his face. "Damon Salvatore. Have we met?" He asked.

Kol's gaze flicked toward Damon, his smile barely faltering. He didn't take Damon's hand. Instead, he simply tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke in his usual smooth, mocking tone. "I've met a lot of people. And you don't particularly stand out."

Kol's eyes gleamed as he turned his attention back to Buffy, his smirk widening just a little. He gave Damon's extended hand another glance before his focus shifted fully back to Buffy, the playful challenge in his eyes unmistakable. Without waiting for Damon to respond, Kol reached out, his fingers lightly brushing against Buffy's arm as he offered her a sly smile.

"Well, it seems like I've overstayed my welcome here." His voice was low, almost velvety, and the edge of amusement was evident as he saw Damon's glare from the corner of his eye. "But I'd much rather enjoy a more private conversation with someone far more interesting."

Buffy blinked, taken aback by the sudden attention, but her curiosity piqued. Her eyes flicked briefly to Damon, who was still standing with his hand in the air, looking far from impressed by Kol's rejection.

Before she could fully process the situation, Kol had already taken her hand gently in his, steering her away from Damon and the mayor with an effortless ease. He didn't look back, though Buffy felt the weight of Damon's stare follow her as Kol led her across the room.

His fingers brushed against hers, sending a subtle shiver up her spine, though Buffy quickly pushed the sensation aside.

Kol wasn't looking back, and Buffy soon found herself at the far side of the room, away from the eyes that had been trained on her moments before. Kol finally released her hand, his eyes briefly scanning the room before turning his attention back to her. There was something in his expression now—something less playful, though no less intense.

"Well," he began, his voice laced with a subtle amusement, "I think we've managed to escape the spotlight for a moment." His eyes flickered over her with a newfound intensity, as though he were studying her, looking for something.

Buffy tilted her head, not entirely sure how to respond. "Escape?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow. "You don't strike me as someone who shies away from attention, Kol."

He smirked, his gaze never leaving hers. "Oh, darling, it's not about shying away from attention. It's about choosing who gets to share it with me." There was a glint of mischief in his eyes, and for a brief moment, Buffy could almost see the playfulness from earlier returning.

Buffy let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "You're not exactly helping with the 'I'm not a damsel in distress' thing, Kol." She replied, though there was no real bite to her words.

Kol's gaze flickered to her, his mischievous grin never wavering. "Oh, I never claimed you were one, darling. But something tells me you're not used to being watched so closely, hmm?"

Buffy's steps faltered for a moment as she processed his words, her breath hitching ever so slightly as she felt the weight of his gaze on her once more. She knew what he meant—there was something about the Mikaelsons that made the whole room feel like it was closing in on her. The intensity in their eyes, the way they watched her as though they knew things about her she hadn't even realized herself.

"Well, I suppose I'll get used to it." she replied, a touch of confidence returning to her voice. "I've handled worse."

Kol chuckled softly, a sound that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. "I'm sure you have, darling."

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Elijah stepped forward, his voice commanding attention as he addressed the gathered guests. "If everyone could gather, please," he announced, his tone both polite and firm.

The Originals, as if in perfect unison, stood on the grand staircase, their presence undeniably imposing. Elijah's voice filled the room as he continued, drawing everyone's focus. "Welcome, thank you for joining us. You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance."

As if on cue, Esther appeared at the top of the stairs.

Elijah went on, his tone light yet authoritative. "Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz, so if all of you could please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom."

As the words left his lips, Esther silently retreated upstairs, her presence fading from view as quickly as it had come. The room buzzed with quiet murmurs of people trying to find a dance partner.

The Mikaelsons were already making their way toward her as soon as Elijah's speech ended. Elijah and Kol moved in sync, but it was Klaus who was the quickest, his eyes locking onto hers from across the room.

Buffy's breath caught as Klaus approached her. He reached her first, his gaze never wavering as he extended a hand toward her with a small, almost predatory smile. "Care to join me?" He asked, his voice low.

Before she could respond, Kol was right behind him, flashing her a grin full of mischief. "Well, that was quick. I was hoping for a chance to sweep you off your feet, darling." he teased, stepping closer.

Rebekah followed soon after, a soft but confident smile on her lips as she too made her way toward Buffy. Her gaze locked on Buffy but Finn remained at a distance but didn't let his eyes leave Buffy, still watching her every movement.

Klaus was still the first, however, his gaze never leaving hers as he waited for her to decide. The choice, it seemed, was hers to make, but the weight of the decision pressed heavily on Buffy's shoulders. She could feel the eyes of the Mikaelsons on her, each of them waiting with bated breath for her to choose. It was a like game of subtle tension, and Klaus was the one who had claimed the first move.

His hand remained outstretched, fingers slightly curled as though he was already certain of her response, but there was something in the way his gaze lingered on her that made it clear he wasn't about to let her slip away without a choice.

Buffy took a moment, her breath steadying as she scanned the room. Kol's playful smirk was still there, and she could almost hear his voice in her head, teasing her to pick him next. Rebekah's smile was welcoming but held a quiet challenge, and Finn... Finn was a steady presence in the background, silently waiting but no less present. And Elijah, unlike his siblings, didn't seem to rush things. He was always patient with her.

Her eyes flicked back to Klaus. He stood there, confident, but there was something else in his expression now

Finally, Buffy's lips curled into a small smile. She knew the risks, she knew the consequences of indulging the Mikaelsons in this game, but there was something that made her pulse quicken and her heart race in a way that was hard to ignore.

With a slow, deliberate movement, she placed her hand in his, her fingers brushing lightly against his as she accepted his offer. "I suppose I can't refuse." She said, her voice playful.

Klaus's smile widened, a dark gleam in his eyes as he gently pulled her toward the center of the ballroom. The beats of Give Me Love started playing through the room.

Klaus's hand was firm around hers, yet his touch was careful, as if savoring every second of their dance. Buffy's dress flowed around her, the fabric shimmering under the chandelier's light, and for a moment, the room seemed to blur into the background.

"You're wearing the dress I sent you." Klaus spoke, but something about the tone of his words told Buffy he hadn't expected her to actually wear it.

Buffy's eyes met his, the corner of her mouth curling into a playful smirk as she nodded. "You didn't think I'd actually wear it, did you?" Her voice was light, teasing, though the weight of his words lingered in the air.

Klaus' gaze flickered to the dress again, his expression a mix of surprise and something deeper—something almost approving. He seemed to study her for a moment longer than necessary before responding. "I had a feeling you'd be... unpredictable. But you really do look beautiful in it, my love."

Buffy chuckled, a low, almost musical sound that matched the rhythm of their steps. "Well Klaus, I am a sucker for sweet notes."

Klaus's lips curled into a smile at her response, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Is that so?" he asked, his voice low, the words laced with both curiosity and a hint of something else—something more teasing. "I suppose I'll have to make a habit of offering you sweet notes, then."

Buffy shot him a sideways glance, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Careful, Klaus. I might start expecting them." She took a small step back, testing the space between them as she spun with the rhythm of the waltz.

"Expecting them, are you?" he mused, his voice laced with a dark amusement. "Well, I can hardly deny you something so... simple, can I?" He asked, her dress twirling out around her like a cloud of shimmering fabric.

Then it was time to change dance partners, Klaus spun her around and Buffy ended up in Finn's arms, his strong grip steady as he effortlessly took her in.

"I do have to admit you look even more beautiful up close than in my brother's arms."

Buffy blinked, taken aback by Finn's words, but she quickly recovered with a raised eyebrow. "Is that so?" She replied, her voice playful but laced with curiosity. "And here I thought you were all about the dance, not the commentary."

Finn's lips curled into a faint smile, his gaze steady and intense. "Well, both can be true, don't you think?" He said smoothly, guiding her through the waltz with effortless grace. "I'm simply noting what's right in front of me."

Buffy let out a soft laugh, her head tilting slightly as she met his eyes. "Flattery, Finn? I didn't take you for the type."

He chuckled softly, the sound low and controlled. "I suppose you will just have to get to know me better."

Her smile remained, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Maybe I'm just getting started."

The music swirled around them, and the connection between them seemed to deepen as they continued to dance. There was a subtle challenge in Finn's gaze, something that suggested he was more than just the quiet observer he appeared to be. Buffy couldn't help but wonder what else lay beneath his composed exterior.

As the song ended, Rebekah quickly abandoned her dance partner and swept toward Buffy, her movements graceful but assertive. Her eyes were locked on Buffy with a gleam of determination.

"Well, well, looks like it's my turn now." Rebekah said with a playful smile, her voice carrying a mixture of confidence and challenge.

Buffy arched an eyebrow, glancing between Rebekah and Finn, who had been holding her just moments before. "Do I get a break, or is it all about the Mikaelsons tonight?"

Rebekah smirked, unfazed by the remark. "We do tend to take over the room, don't we?" She held out her hand to Buffy, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Now, shall we make it interesting?"

Buffy hesitated for only a moment before taking Rebekah's hand, amused by the challenge in her tone. "I suppose we'll see just how interesting this turns out to be."

Without missing a beat, Rebekah pulled her into a dance as a new song started playing, leading them both into the rhythm of the waltz. The ballroom seemed to quiet slightly as all eyes turned.

As they moved together, Rebekah's gaze never left Buffy's, and Buffy knew this would be a dance to remember.

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Buffy's footsteps echoed softly in the grand art room as she wandered further inside. The walls were adorned with stunning paintings, each a masterpiece that seemed to tell a story of centuries gone by. She couldn't help but admire them, captivated by the way the light flickered off the frames, casting shadows on the canvas.

She had no idea why she'd wandered into this room, but she had heard Damon was looking for her, and she wasn't eager to deal with him right now. The night had been perfect so far, and for once, she didn't want it to be tainted by supernatural drama—at least not the kind that didn't involve the Mikaelsons.

Buffy was lost in her thoughts, taking in a particularly striking painting of a battle scene, when she heard the door behind her creak open. She froze, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. Slowly, she turned around, her eyes widening when she saw Klaus standing in the doorway, his gaze fixed on her.

His posture was relaxed, but there was an unmistakable tension in the air. He hadn't expected anyone in this room, and Buffy knew it. She quickly straightened up, offering him a sheepish smile.

"Sorry." she said, her voice slightly nervous. "I didn't mean to intrude. I was just looking at the paintings. They're beautiful."

Klaus stood in the doorway, his gaze steady as he took in the sight of Buffy standing among the paintings. His eyes softened ever so slightly, though his posture remained poised. It was clear he hadn't expected anyone to be in his private art room, but there was no anger in his eyes—only a hint of something else. Something... approving.

He took a slow step forward, his presence commanding yet unthreatening. "You're the only one I've ever allowed in here." He said, his voice low, almost reverent. "This room is personal. A space for my thoughts, my memories." He paused, his eyes scanning her face, studying her as though trying to gauge her reaction. "But, you're different, Buffy. I don't mind you here."

Buffy shifted slightly, feeling the weight of his words. She wasn't sure if she should apologize again or simply let the moment linger but at the same time, there was something oddly comforting about the way he spoke.

"I really didn't mean to intrude." she said again, though her voice was softer this time, quieter. She glanced at the paintings surrounding them, trying to ease the tension she felt. "I just... I didn't realize this was such a special place for you. And this room was just in sight when I saw Damon."

He glanced around the room for a moment, his gaze falling on the paintings that surrounded them. "This room, it's where I hold onto pieces of my past."

Buffy felt a flicker of warmth spread through her, though she quickly masked it with a light chuckle. "I didn't mean to go snooping around. It's just... well, the paintings are hard to ignore. They're amazing. Did you paint all of them?"

Klaus' gaze flickered to the paintings, his expression full of pride. He took a slow step toward one of the pieces. "Yes." His eyes softened as he looked back at Buffy. "Why are you avoiding Damon?"

Buffy's posture stiffened slightly at the mention of Damon, her eyes flickering away from Klaus' intense gaze. She let out a quiet sigh, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of one of the paintings. "It's not so much avoiding him," she began, her voice soft but with a hint of hesitation. "It's more like... well, I don't want the drama that comes with him right now. I want to enjoy this evening."

Klaus studied her for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. "I understand," He said after a beat, his voice smooth. "Damon does have a tendency to stir the pot."

There was a brief silence between them, and Buffy's eyes returned to the paintings, her thoughts drifting for a moment. She could feel Klaus' gaze on her, but she didn't mind it. There was something oddly comforting about being in this space with him—something that made her feel like she wasn't being judged or rushed.

"Thank you," she said quietly, breaking the silence. "For letting me be in here. I know it must be personal for you."

Klaus nodded, his expression softening. "You don't have to apologize for being here, Buffy."

Buffy gave him a small, appreciative smile. "I'm not apologizing. I just... I guess I appreciate the trust."

Klaus' gaze deepened, his lips curling into the faintest of smiles as he spoke again, his voice almost contemplative. "I'm trying, Buffy. I may not always show it, but I'm trying."

Buffy's heart skipped a beat at his words, and she nodded, her voice softening as she replied. "I know." She paused for a moment, her gaze lingering on the paintings before she added. "I've seen it, Klaus. I'm seeing the way you're trying... and that counts for something, I promise."

Buffy had a soft smile on her face. He really was doing what he promised her.

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Katherine xoxo

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WORDS: 3538

POSTED: WEDNESDAY 09/04/2025

WRITTEN: WEDNESDAY 09/04/2025