Chapter 14: Change of Heart
Third Person's POV
The Mystic Grill
Aria couldn't take her eyes off of Kol. Well she could never look away from him whenever Kol is sitting right in front of her. And when he is not, Aria would spend her time thinking about Kol. It's been over a week since Aria and Kol met each other officially. They are friends now however Aria had no idea about Kol being a vampire. And Kol was also sticking around Aria because that way it would be easier for him to protect her and keep the girl safe. It's not like Kol didn't like hanging out with Aria. She is a nice girl and all but the original would rather spend his entire time with Riana. Speaking of Riana, the newbie vampire was unlike any other vampire Kol has seen before. As a human, Riana was very stubborn and after becoming a vampire her stubbornness unfortunately magnified along with her other emotions. Blood hunger wasn't really a problem for Riana but controlling her heightened emotions were a huge problem.
Riana could go from crying to laughing to being extremely pissed off within minutes. She was an emotional wreck at the time being. Riana's emotional state was driving her crazy and everyone else as well meaning the original family who took her in. That was one of the reasons Riana still couldn't walk freely in public or meet with Aria. Riana didn't want to be unstable in anyway while around Aria even if emotionally. They text each other though, on a regular basis. Kol didn't like staying away from Riana but he promised to keep Aria safe. And the last thing Kol wanted to do was break a promise he made to Riana. Besides, she would probably kill Kol if any harm comes to Aria.
"Kol?" Aria called Kol's name to make him look at her.
"Yes, Aria?" said Kol with his trade mark smirk. It was hard for Aria not to start drooling over him. Aria liked the way Kol says her name. That cute British accent of his, it was just amazing. Aria had to shake her head a little to think straight.
"I have been thinking about this for a while now" began Aria and she paused a little to inhale a silent deep breath. "Would you like to go on a date with me?"
The smirk from Kol's face slowly vanished. He wasn't unaware of the fact that Aria was attracted to him and liked him very much. Also have a huge crush on him. And perhaps its more than that. Aria always wanted more than friendship with Kol but Kol never showed any interest in Aria in that manner. He just wanted to be her friend. Aria however failed to understand why Kol wouldn't want more than friendship with her. If Kol didn't like her, he wouldn't be around Aria so much or be her friend in the first place. And Kol said so himself that he is still single. Clearly Aria didn't know that Kol is already in love with someone. Her best friend Riana to be exact.
"Aria, listen. I know you like me and I like you too but lets not go there so fast" said Kol with hesitation. He didn't want to hurt Aria's feelings but didn't want to go on a date with her either. But it was already too late. Aria's face visibly fell.
"Why Kol? You say you like me but you don't want to be with me. Why the hell is that?" Aria was determined to get answers from Kol. The rejection hurt Aria like bitch and she wanted to know what she did to deserve it.
"It's complicated" said Kol which earned him a glare from Aria.
"Then un-complicate it." Aria snapped at Kol angrily. If it was any other person but Aria, he or she would have ended up dead by now. But Kol would never hurt her. "Are you with someone else?"
"Not yet" replied Kol honestly. Riana is only staying with Kol, in his house with his family but that doesn't mean anything is going on between them. Especially anything romantic.
"I don't understand. You are not interested in me, you are not with someone else, and you don't seem the player type either or gay. What is going on with you Kol?" Aria couldn't help but ask. She desperately wanted to know.
"Aria, I-" Kol began to say but he got a call that moment which interrupted him and saved him as well. Kol received the call and said two words that Aria could barely hear. He looked back at her.
"Aria, I need to leave. It's important" saying that Kol got up from the chair.
"See you later." Before Aria could say anything Kol walked out of the Grill. He kind of ran away from her. Aria sighed out heavily. To say that she was feeling heartbroken at the moment, would be a huge understatement. There was something going on with Kol and Aria felt that whatever the reason was it was responsible for Kol not wanting to be with her. Aria started wrecking her brains thinking about Kol and why he is ditching her in such a way. And that's when Elena walked up to her. With another of her schemes.
"Hey, Aria. Mind if I sit here. Everywhere else is full" said Elena with friendly tone of voice. Aria didn't even look up and simply nodded her head. The Mystic Falls gang had to call off their imbecilic treasure hunt thanks to Kol. No one is getting the cure now. Damon is still compelled and wanted to rip out Jeremy's heart. Elena wanted to send Jeremy away from the town but Jeremy wasn't going to leave his sister in a mess in anyway. And this time no one could compel Jeremy to leave Mystic Falls thanks to being one of the five. Elena hasn't seen Damon or even talked to him for so many days. It was torturous for her to say the least.
"You seem a little upset. Is everything alright?" asked Elena with concern in her voice. Aria only nodded her head but didn't try hard to convince Elena.
"Are you sure? Kol didn't do anything to you, did he?" asked Elena with careful tone of voice. Aria's head snapped up and she looked at Elena with stunned expression.
"No, oh my god, of course not. Why would you think that?" asked Aria with disbelieve in her voice. Elena sighed out heavily.
"Because you don't know Kol the way I do" said Elena with suspense in her behavior. Aria frowned at her in confusion.
"What do you mean?" asked Aria with curiosity and got interested in the explanation right away that Elena has for Kol. Elena looked at her left and right before leaning in closer to Aria.
"Aria, I shouldn't do this because I am probably risking my life here but I really want to help you. If you want to know why Kol isn't interested in you then you must come with me. There is something that you should know." Elena didn't need to convince Aria at all. She was ready and willing to leave with Elena right away.
The Mikaelson Mansion
"Kol why can't you just de-compel Damon? Everyone promised not to look for the cure. What more do you want?" asked Rebekah to her older brother and she sighed out in frustration. After Kol was nearly killed, he was furious at everyone especially his siblings. Elijah, Klaus and Rebekah had to give their words that they wouldn't search for the cure and risk raising Silas. Only then Kol behaved normally with them.
"You want me to trust your vulgar promises" asked Kol mockingly. Rebekah glared at him immediately.
"Kol, we don't promise and break it. We keep our words and you know it" said Rebekah and Kol only smirked at her.
"What I know is that the doppelganger and her friends can't be trusted under any circumstance. And I also happen to know that Stefan Salvatore has you wrapped around his fingers already and you want me to release Damon from my compulsion because you don't like seeing Stefan upset. Could you be any more predictable Rebekah?" said Kol getting slowly pissed off at his sister.
"Come on Kol, you know our sister. When has she ever thought before handing over her heart to some boy" said Klaus smirking widely as he entered the room.
"Like you could talk. You can't stop fancying Caroline even when she is being nothing but a bitch to you" snapped Rebekah angrily and Klaus rolled his eyes at her. Before they could continue their argument, an air piercing scream came from Riana's room. The three siblings looked at each other before running to Riana's room in vampire speed. When they got there, the originals saw Riana completely pressed up against a wall and she looked scared to death. Kol went over to her in a blink of an eye. Riana however wasn't looking at him. Her eyes were fixed on something that seemed to be invisible to Kol and the others.
"Riana, what is it?" Kol asked worriedly. He was desperately trying to understand what is going on with Riana. Why did she look so afraid?
"That" said Riana and she pointed at something in the corner of the room. Kol looked but he didn't notice anything so life threatening and scary.
"What?" asked Kol with strong tone of voice because unless he gets a proper answer, he wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Only then Riana looked at him and glared angrily.
"Kol, how can you not see it? It's so huge" said Riana and she looked back at the small dark corner again. The young vampire even took a step back in fear. Kol looked at the spot once again and so did Klaus and Rebekah who were still standing at the doorway. This time Kol noticed something and he couldn't believe his own eyes.
"Please tell me you are not talking about that cockroach" said Kol looking back at Riana who had her eyes narrowed at Kol.
"Yes, Kol I am talking about that hideous looking thing" said Riana and she actually looked fearfully at the lazy cockroach which was standing completely still in the dark corner. Riana didn't look so scared even when she was dying. Kol didn't know what to do at the moment, laugh or cry.
"Riana, you do know you are a vampire, right?" said Klaus baring most of his teeth. He received a glare from Riana immediately.
"Just because I am a vampire that doesn't mean I am not allowed to be scared of a cockroach." Riana defended herself proudly.
"And I think after becoming a vampire her fear of roaches heightened as well" said Rebekah with mock concern and pity.
"Shut up Rebekah. You are a scary cat too." Riana immediately retaliated.
"I am not." Rebekah argued back.
"Okay, that's enough" said Kol to the girls so that they wouldn't engage in a cat fight. He then looked back at Riana. "It's just a cockroach Riana for god's sake. Stop being such a baby."
"Kol please do me a favor and spare me the lecture" said Riana with furrowed brows. "Now would you throw it out of here or are you planning on adopting it" said Riana bitter sweetly. Kol shaking his head to himself walked over to the cockroach to get rid of it. And truth to be told, Kol felt like a hero at that time as he saved his girl. Wait his girl? Of course Riana was his girl, his vampire and even though Kol doesn't say it out loud but everyone seemed to know who Riana belonged to. And it pleased Kol to no limit.
The Woods
Riana has planned to hunt animals today and learn how to feed on them. This would be her first time with animals. Riana didn't know what to feel about it. She was getting mixed feelings. It would be good not to hurt any human but aren't animals more innocent beings? Kol didn't support the animal diet plan at all. He had his own reasons regarding taste and the strength it would provide. But Riana wanted to learn how to hunt animals therefore Kol accompanied her because there was no way in hell Riana would change her mind about this. Kol and Riana were walking through the woods, looking for a suitable animal to feed on. Kol noticed a bunny and caught it in vampire speed and brought it back to Riana. He held it in front of her.
"Here you go, your very first animal victim." Riana took the bunny in her hands. It was staring at her with weird eyes as if asking her for mercy silently. Riana stared at the bunny for a moment and then looked at Kol.
"I can't kill it. It's too cute" saying that Riana started patting it's head. The bunny started enjoying it and even it's heartbeat slowed down. Kol rolled his eyes at Riana.
"I told you, you are not made for bunny diet" said Kol glad that he could prove his point.
"Perhaps, bunny diet isn't suitable for me but I can definitely eat that" said Riana and Kol noticed that she spotted a deer at a distance. She jumped on the animal gracefully and caught it like an expert. Kol watched as Riana fed on the deer. It was fascinating for Kol to watch Riana feed even though from a blood bag. She let go of the deer once she had enough blood in her system. Riana had to admit animal blood is nothing compared to human blood. Actually it tastes like trash.
"Who the hell invented the idea of feeding off animals" asked Riana more to herself than to Kol.
"Well I definitely didn't" said Kol smirking. Happy that Riana found the taste of the blood gross as expected.
"Yeah you were right. I am better off with blood bags" said Riana giving up already. Kol beamed at himself proudly.
"I am your well wisher darling. You better believe it now" said Kol while walking up to Riana. There was blood in the corner of her mouth. Kol wiped it off gently with his thumb. Then he licked the blood off his thumb. That blood tasted the best to Kol and he wished he could taste more of it. Riana completely ignored the act and pretended she never saw it happening.
"Who said I ever doubted your concern for me?" said Riana with a smirk of her own.
"That's good" said Kol and he wrapped his arm around Riana's shoulders and they started to walk together through the woods. Riana didn't complain instead she got closer to Kol. After walking for a while Riana spoke up again.
"Did you see Aria today?" asked Riana with casual tone of voice as she had no idea what went down between Kol and Aria.
"Yes." Kol replied shortly. Riana glanced at Kol and noticed the trouble written on his face.
"Did anything happen Kol?" Riana asked right away. Kol didn't want to talk about this with Riana but she would find out anyway therefore he decided to tell her.
"Aria asked me out on a date today" said Kol and Riana raised her eye brows at him.
"And?"
"And I said no" replied Kol nonchalantly with a shrug off his shoulders.
"Why?" asked Riana with a frown of confusion on her face as if she had no clue why.
"Because I am a one woman man Riana and you know she is not the one" said Kol and he angrily started walking away from Riana. Why she enjoys playing dumb with him so much? Riana knew very well how much Kol loves her. But she would ignore it or pretend that she has no idea about it. It was displeasing to Kol to say the least. Riana on the other hand nearly chocked on her own breath when Kol said that he is a one woman man. That was the funniest and craziest thing she ever heard. Riana vamped speed in front of Kol and blocked his way.
"Did you break her heart?" asked Riana with seriousness in her voice.
"No." Kol said at once but one look from Riana and he said- "Well I think I didn't."
"You think? Seriously" asked Riana with disbelieve in her voice. "Kol I asked you to keep her safe not play with her heart."
"Wait now this is my fault that she is crazy about me. I have made it clear from the beginning, me and Aria can't be anything else but friends" said Kol with strong tone of voice.
"Well you should. I mean why not? Aria is a great girl. She is smart, good looking, got sense of humor and I think she is in love with you" said Riana nonchalantly but it set Kol off immediately.
"But I am in love with you" snapped out Kol angrily. Riana wasn't shocked to hear that because obviously she already knew that. Riana sighed out heavily and stepped closer to the original. Kol pressed his forehead against hers and calmed down completely. He can never stay mad at Riana especially when she is showing affection towards him. Which happens rarely. Riana cupped Kol's face with one hand and caressed her thumb against his temple gently.
"I know that you love me Kol. And you know that I can't love you back the way you want me to" saying that Riana pulled away to look into Kol's eyes. "You should try to get over me Kol because no matter what you do for me, I can never see past the truth that you killed my only sister. I loved her Kol. She meant everything to me" said Riana with regret in her voice because she knew it was hurting Kol to listen to her talk about Sophia. It was a sensitive subject for both of them.
"You said it once yourself that everyone deserves a second chance, then why not me?" asked Kol sternly. His gaze fixed on Riana's face.
"I did give you a second chance Kol. That's why you are my friend now. That's why I am staying with you. And I can never thank you enough for everything you are doing for me" said Riana and she really meant every word.
"But you can never forgive me." Kol stated the truth out loud. "I wish you hadn't saved me Riana" saying that Kol started walking away from her with hurt expression on his face.
"Kol wait" called back Riana but Kol didn't stop.
Riana sighed out heavily and shook her head to herself in hopelessness. She knew Kol is in love with her and she would never say it out loud but Riana has feelings for Kol as well. But whenever Riana looks at Kol the first thing that she remembers is her sister's screams. How can she possibly embrace Kol and kiss him when her mind is filled with that horrible memory? Part of Riana wishes that she never found out about the truth behind her sister's murder or simply forget about it that Kol is the culprit here. But neither of those two options was possible nor hating Kol or forgiving him. It would be so much easier for Riana if Kol wasn't being nice with her. She could have hated him passionately, if Kol was manhandling her or abusing her. But Kol was being more than nice with Riana.
In her difficult times as a vampire, Kol was right beside her. He did everything to make sure that the new vampire finds being a vampire easy enough especially with the blood hunger. How could Riana possibly hate him anymore? Things couldn't get more complicated for her or maybe they can. Being in love with Kol wasn't right and hating him was impossible for Riana. Part of her was somewhat wishing that Kol would eventually move on to Aria. They could live happily together and without any complications in between them. Aria would accept Kol being a vampire for sure. She wanted him too much to let that matter. However, there was also a tiny part in Riana that wanted Kol just for herself. But that reckless and shameless part gets easily sabotaged by the righteous part. Riana sighed out once again and started walking towards the mansion not knowing she was being watched for a while now by two pairs of prying eyes.
On The Road
Aria was sitting with Elena in her car. She was completely dumbstruck and a shocked expression covered her face. Elena was glancing at Aria now and then as she drove the car. Very soon Elena pulled over the car in front of Aria's house. However Aria wasn't aware of that. She was still staring at the space with unblinking eyes. Ever since Aria saw Kol and Riana together in the woods, she became speechless. At first Aria was confused to see them together. She couldn't exactly hear what Kol and Riana were talking about but what Elena told her about Kol, it shocked her to no limit. Fortunately Aria didn't witness Riana drinking blood from a deer therefore the existence of vampires was still unknown to her and also the truth that Riana is now one of them.
"Aria, are you okay?" asked Elena with concern in her voice and she put a hand on Aria's shoulder to comfort her.
"No Elena." Aria finally spoke up and she looked at Elena at last. "I am not okay."
"Aria, I understand-" Elena started saying but Aria cut her off.
"No Elena, you can't possibly understand. I fell in love with Kol. I loved him. But he was just playing with me this entire time. I am just a toy for him" said Aria with shaking tone of voice. Her heart was broken completely.
"Yeah, you and Riana both. Kol is playing with both of you" said Elena with strong tone of voice to make her look confident enough. Tears started to roll down Aria's face.
"I don't understand, why Riana is with Kol? And why she is lying to me about it? She even lied to me about leaving town" said Aria. Everything was so confusing to her and Elena understood it right away and decided to clear her confusions.
"Riana met Kol before you came into the picture Aria. Kol has her completely wrapped around his fingers. Riana would do anything Kol asks her to do. He probably asked Riana to lie to you about being with him. That's why she is doing it. Honestly tell me Aria, wouldn't you do anything for Kol if you didn't know the truth about him?" Elena asked and Aria slowly nodded her head.
"Yes, I would have." Aria admitted and immediately felt fear. She went silent for a moment before speaking up again. "Why Kol is doing this to us Elena? What is wrong with him? I can't believe we are talking about the same person here who saved my life. I would be dead if it wasn't for Kol."
"Kol didn't save you Aria. Not really. That was part of his game. Like I said, he enjoys playing with girls like you and Riana. However Kol isn't like your normal player type boys. He is dangerous" said Elena firmly and she paused a little to build up suspense.
"Kol is a killer." Aria gasped in horror after hearing that.
"No way. Did he... did he kill anyone?" asked Aria fearfully. Elena nodded her head vehemently. "I don't believe this" said Aria more to herself than to Elena.
"That's what the truth is Aria. He has killed more than one person in this town. Who do you think killed Riana's sister?" Elena left it to Aria to figure it out. Aria's eyes went wide immediately.
"Kol!" She gasped out in fear. "You mean to say, Kol killed Sophia?" Aria asked again for confirmation. Elena simply nodded her head.
"Poor Riana, she has no idea about it" said Elena and she successfully poisoned Aria's mind more viciously.
"Then we must tell her. Why no one is going to the cops about Kol and tell them about him?" asked Aria because Kol freely walking around the town after killing people seemed unrealistic to her.
"Because it's pointless Aria. Cops can't do anything to Kol. And if you tell Riana about it, she either wouldn't believe you or die sooner for learning about the truth" said Elena and Aria's head snapped up. She looked at Elena with fear in her eyes.
"Do you think Kol is planning on killing Riana too?" Aria asked with disbelieve in her voice. She was believing Elena because Aria saw Kol and Riana together with her own eyes and the fact that Riana was lying to her about it was proof enough that something was going on wrong.
"Sooner or later, yes I am afraid. And you are Kol's next target. After he is done with Riana he would take you in like he took in Riana. Kol doesn't keep two prisoners at the same time. That's why Kol is taking things slow with you" said Elena and she sounded damn convincing. Afterwards Elena professed her concern for Aria. "If you don't want to die Aria, I suggest you to leave town as soon as possible. You should take Meredith with you too."
"And what about Riana? I can't let her die here. We must save her from Kol?" said Aria with determination in her voice.
"Riana can't be saved Aria. It's impossible to rescue her from Kol" said Elena and she sighed out heavily.
"Why is it so impossible Elena? Kol maybe a psychopath killer but that doesn't make him invincible" said Aria getting angry now. Why no one took any action against Kol yet? Why is he even still alive? It seemed that all on a sudden Aria no longer loved Kol. She just wanted to get Riana out of his trap.
"Unfortunately Kol is more than a psychopath killer Aria. You don't wanna know what he really is" said Elena and it increased Aria's curiosity more as expected.
"You are wrong Elena. I wanna know what exactly Kol is. And I want to know how to destroy him and rescue my best friend" said Aria with strong determination in her demeanor. Elena was pleased to see it. That's what she wanted.
"If you are sure Aria, then I will help you with everything you need to know about Kol and also help you put him down. If I were you I would have done the same for my best friends. But you must believe everything I say Aria and do as I say otherwise we will all die" said Elena with serious tone of voice. Aria simply nodded her head.
"I promise I will do everything you ask me to do if it means Riana would get out of danger. Now tell me, what the hell is Kol?" asked Aria. The anticipation was killing her. She wanted to know right now. Elena stared at her for a moment before speaking up again and finally telling Aria the truth.
"Kol is a vampire."