_Four_

Mornings, Solved Problematic Situations, and Where Do We Go From Here?

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Waking up alone, and in a foreign atmosphere, Bella had no clue where she was at until last night flooded back into her brain. Jeremy's forgetfulness and Kol's kind and gentle shoulder for which she could lean on. Getting up and padding across the cold floor Bella tried to quietly move in the direction of the bathroom. Not exactly knowing the way she stopped in mid step to try to see where it was until…. A voice vibrated towards her.

"To the left darling" Kol spoke in a deep sleep laced voice. His voice though soft -spoken held volume; therefore resounded through the room. Causing Bella to jump in surprise she felt suddenly as if she was ready to hit the floor. That was until Kol had unexpectedly held her tight against his chest. Laughing Kol righted her in his embrace only to let her go and nudge her in the right direction.

Taking his nudge as acceptance she padded towards the closed door and opened it. Inside was a nice enough bathroom for a young male living in Denver. It had all the necessities and then some girly things that she assumed belonged to his conquests. For she certainly didn't think someone like Kol was ever without company. Using the bathroom she walked out after washing her hands of all her tears from last night. Not seeing Kol she padded back to the living room and was awaited by Kol with a cup of coffee and cream. Pouring cream into her coffee she sipped in happiness. Finally looking up Kol sat leisurely on the sofa motioning for her to sit down. Sitting down she waited for him to talk. Pause after pause she finally mustered up the courage to talk. "Thank you" she pressed on "for you know saving me".

Kol nodded in silence but began to talk soon after his nod ended "no problem darling, it was my pleasure" Sighing Bella decided to talk more to keep the silence not forthcoming. Time seemed to have eluded both of them until they could no longer see the dark, but the coming rays of sun.

Hearing a knock, Kol and Bella decided to ignore it until soon after it persisted on. Kol in aggravation looped upwards into a stand. Walking towards the door he opened it with a definite wham! Bella was sure that the person on the other side wet him or herself in fear. She knew she would have. No pun intended because even though Kol was sweet on her she was sure he had a dark side that may or may not burst at any given moment.

Jeremy stood on the other side of the door waiting for Kol to answer, and when he did he wished he'd waited. "What!" Kol screamed in Jeremy's face. "Have you seen a brunette with brown eyes wandering about?" Kol had, in fact, she was inside his home waiting for him, but Jeremy didn't need to know that. Kol thought for a moment or two before answering. If he said "Yes" Jeremy would ask where she was, but if he said "No." Jeremy would ask him to look out for her in case she was lost. Deciding to play his current cards of fate he spoke: "Yes I have, however at this current moment she does not wish to see you." Jeremy's face went blank then as quickly as it went out it came back full force in anger. "Well, the hell with you!" He yelled, "I want to see her now!" Kol smirked and abruptly shut the door in his face in a totally Kol fashion.

Bella curiously padded towards Kol when suddenly before her he stood. "Darling, relax he's gone." Smiling she nodded but still wondered how long it would be before Jeremy came back. Deciding not to worry right now she embraced Kol. Kol gently wrapped his arms loosely around her back patting it.

Seconds seemed to the past until another knock sounded. Kol lets go to answer the door, but Bella stopped him. "I got this" she rushed out. Walking towards the door she slowly opened the door. Opening the door she was met with a red -faced Jeremy.

Words were further exchanged then a slam was heard from the doorway. Kol brusquely walked in with an unwanted guest.

Jeremy Gilbert knew he had a lot to make up for, but for him to see Bella there in Kol's home so comfortable made his heart sink. He sat down next to her only to see her cringe in sadness. He then continued to advance until Kol stepped in stating he may be his mate, but he was still a quest and if the lass wanted no contact he followed the lass's rules. Quickly knowing Kol's patience was wearing he profusely spit out this apology for which Bella shrugged off in sadness only for Jeremy to continue to beg. She finally accepted in defeat. Though Jeremy still had lots of ground to cover he was still in her good graces.

Jeremy left in better spirits and continued his daily routine though Bella had opted out of staying with him in preference of Kol. By the time all was said and done Kol and Bella were exhausted and it was only the afternoon. Separating both Kol and Bella adjourned to the separate rooms. Or in Kol's case the couch for which an hour later Bella awoke Kol with a piercing scream. Kol dashed into his room to spoon Bella in his embrace and soothe her into a semi-conscious state. Bella half-awake whimpered in fear of her vivid nightmare of the Cullen's leaving her. Kol continued to spoon her, and finally after an hour or two she nodded back off to slumber. Kol tried to get up, but couldn't due to her grip. Though we all know if he'd wanted to he could. Sighing in content he laid down completely to spoon her until he to dozed off into a slumber filled with dreams of a lovely brunette known as Bella Swan.

Come morning again Kol and Bella had resumed their same position as the previous night. To tell you the truth if there was a camera nearby you'd want to take a picture that's how sweet it was. Kol was the first to wake up and after he untangled his body from Bella's he went to go use the bathroom. Returning to the bedroom Kol walked over to the slumbering Bella and brushed some loose strands of hair off of her face.

Smiling Kol retracted his hand from her face. Standing in an upright position Kol casually walked out of his room to the kitchen where he then proceeded to brew a fresh pot of coffee. Kol preferred his coffee black but left out cream and sugar just in case Bella wanted some for her coffee. Kol presumed that she liked her coffee with cream and sugar because like most girls Bella's age; Bella fits the criteria.

Glancing at the clock the clock struck six am. Knowing Kol and Bella had a lot to talk about today Kol pulled out the toaster to make some toast with jam. This wasn't usually what Kol ate, but he figured that something light on her stomach might help ease her way into today's truths. Hearing the toaster jingle and pop he quickly grabbed the perfectly toasted pieces and slathered them with butter and strawberry jam.

Walking towards his cabinet he grabbed a tray and set two plates full of buttered - jam toast. Then putting his half empty coffee cup and hers freshly poured and HOT! Down on the tray he grabbed two napkins and the cream and sugar. Smiling at his complete thoughtfulness, Kol grabbed the ends of the tray walking forward towards his room where a beautiful brown hair; brown eyed woman slept. Entering his room he set the tray down on his nightstand. Sitting down he ruefully rubbed his hands together. Pulling back the covers he spoke softly "Good Morning darling! It's time to get up. "Groaning Bella tried to pull the covers further up her cold body, but Kol heartily laughed.

Pulling a few of the covers Bella had pulled close to her Kol wrapped his arms around her in an attempt to apologize for the early wake- up call. Whispering in her ear "Breakfast is served, darling." Blushing Bella tried to push Kol away, however it was useless as he was bigger and stronger than her. Chuckling to himself Kol muttered under his breath "So cute when she tries to bee ferocious." Pulling away from her Kol reached for the breakfast tray and poured her some coffee. Setting the now semi cold toast in front of her Kol gestured for her to add cream and sugar if desired. Bella grabbed the cream and sugar and poured some into her cup. Stirring the contents she sighed and took a sip. Humming in happiness Bella tucked into her toast. Chewing and swallowing she stopped and opened her mouth as if to say something. Nothing came out so Kol motioned his hands for her to speak. Finally couraging up Bella spoke "Kol, where do we go from here?"

Knowing if a few weeks' time, that in addition to her leaving she would also lose his easy friendship. Kol to knowing that she would not stay in Denver, Colorado thought for a minute then sighed. Speaking in a hushed tone Kol addressed his thoughts "I know poppet that you will not stay, but for now let us enjoy now." No quite satisfied she addressed him again " Kol that's all dandy, but I have plans after this." Kol frowning spoke louder than before "If this is not a priority to keep a friendship going, what we are doing here?"

Bella thought for a few minutes, then addressed him "It is important Kol, however, I don't know your plans." Smiling slightly Kol spoke "Ok here's what is going to happen. You are going to finish your stay here, then afterward you will come with me to Mystic Falls, Virginia where I have unfinished business to attend to.

Grinning Bella told him that; that was where she too was headed so all was not lost. Finishing her coffee and toast she wiped her hands on a napkin. Setting it down Bella got up to freshen up. Returning fifteen minutes later she was dressed and smelled of Kol's body wash. Kol by that time had to finish his toast and sipped away at another cup of coffee. Seeing her return he got up to. Walking towards the bathroom Kol closed the door after he entered. Stripping he turned on the shower. Doing his shower routine he rinsed off and stepped out drying himself. Wrapping himself in his towel he walked into his now empty room. Dropping the towel he got his clothes dressing. Lastly putting on socks he finally was done and ready to walk out of his room. Walking out he noticed Bella sitting on his beige couch. Deciding to pull the ultimate scare prank as Bella seemed to not be paying any attention he walked at snail pace as quiet as he could then covered her eyes and whispered in a deep husky voice " I'm going to get you , Poppet." Screaming Bella hit him as hard as she could. Laughing merrily Kol hit the floor so hard from laughing.

Finally sobering up, Kol grabbed her tight and embraced her. Soothing sounds emitted from him. Bella calming down grabbed his hand and walked away dragging him with her.

Author's Note: Chapter Four now complete.

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