Kol

I keep walking, ignoring the desires I have for Elena. Part of me thinks she understands me, sympathizes. The rest of me is weary. Weary that our interactions are built out of convenience. I can't help but wonder how she really sees me. As a monster or captor. If we met under different circumstances, would she even notice me? Am I someone to bide her time until she can return to those she truly loves?

But there is something about her. Something extraordinary. For the first time in my life, I feel like someone is not judging me. I like to believe she does not view me as evil but rather a friend. Although I wish we were more, I know she'll never care for me the same way. It kills me. It kills that I cannot grab her and pull her whole body into mine. I want to engulf myself in her. To feel the gentleness of her skin and the softness of her lips. I want every part of her.

For the rest of the walk, we do not speak a word. But simply rejoice in each other's company. What fine company it is. Our eyes do not meet again. Despite the silence on our stroll - I feel nothing by calmness and connection. Our bond growing stronger.

I hold the front door of the house open for her and she heads inside. I remove her coat and then my own before hanging them on the coat rack. It doesn't take me long to realize my siblings are not home. They're doing who knows what. It is just Elena and myself in this cottage.

"Are you cold?" I ask her.

Elena nods.

I ignite flames in the wood of the fireplace in the living room. The two of us sit on the couch at opposite ends and I wait for her to speak the first words.

"Can I be honest with you?" Elena asks eventually. Her voice is serious as if she needs to get something off of her chest. I look at her and my eyes tell her yes. So Elena continues, "I do miss my family and today it is hard. But that's not the only reason why I've been so reserved. I mean this situation's pretty messed up. Yet I find myself drawn to you."

The last couple of words she said lights a fire in my chest. Like I have just been re-awaken with hope.

"And I feel guilty. Because there's a man out there, two really, who are probably killing themselves over searching for me. And here I am - falling for someone who is supposed to be my enemy." Elena's eyes begin to appear a smudge watery.

Her honesty is astonishing. I was never one to discuss personal feelings. Ever.

And here we are. Sitting in silence to the sounds of wood crackling.

"I'm not your enemy. I know that you're not here by your own choosing. But I'm not against you. I've been fighting for you. Making sure Klaus didn't chain you to a wall. Elena, I want you to get everything you want. To be free. To be happy. Because in a thousand years, I have never cared for anyone as I do for you. No matter how much it may kill me - I want you to be happy. Even if it's far away from my twisted family," I tell her.

Before I know it, Elena's soft hands grab my cheeks and she pulls in me for a kiss. And what a kiss. Her lips are softer than pillows. They're sweet. And the touch - it electrifies my entire body. Making me feel things I have yet to experience. Erupting every nerve inside of me.

It's long. Yet I can't get enough. As the kissing becomes more aggressive I can't help to set my hands around her waist as she lays her body on my lap. Her legs wrapping around me. With every passing second, the kiss intensifies. My right-hand moves up to her back - stroking her smooth skin. Her hands circling my neck.

God this is heaven.

Then - she pulls away. Bits her lips which only excites me even more. Oh and how I am excited.

It's seconds after she has broken apart from me that I realize the regret in her eyes. How the guilt she was referring to before has only increased. Elena is looking down as if she has already been tried by a jury.

"Are you okay?" I ask her.

She moves a small piece of her brown locks out of her face - tucking the strands behind her ear.

"I should go to my room and rest. It's been a long day," she tells me. And with that, Elena walks down the hallway and I stay seated on that couch - unable to process the events.

Because to me, they were perfect up until that last few moments. I was consumed by her. And not only did I enjoy it, but I also need it now. Like a drug addiction. I cannot think of anything else but the touch of her lips and the warmth of her skin.

I do the same and head to my room. Lying back on my bed I cannot help but contain my smile. It's like after all these years I have found someone I connect with. Unfortunately, I don't think this connection permanent.

Elena's misery is constantly present and I cannot help but want her to return to her life. I want her to grow old and get that family she seems so set upon having. I know the longer she stays her the worse she'll become. One day, maybe years from now or in the coming months, she may not be the same person she is now. Circumstance changes people. Without an environment that shaped her, she could become a new person. Lose everything good about her. I guess she should leave. No matter how much I earn for her to stay with me.

Less than an hour has passed since our encounter and it is still all I can think about. So I get up and I walk to her chambers. Through the door, I can her breathing. She isn't asleep but I can hear her just sitting there. My guess is she is contemplating everything, especially me.

Without thinking, I press my knuckles against the wooden door and knock. She does not answer though.

"I know you are in there Elena," I say through the door. Hopeful for a response.

And yet my hopes are for nothing. She does not answer but remains mute. I guess it is best to leave her alone. I just wanted to comfort her and talk. If I was to aggressive I need to apologize. I don't want to make her uncomfortable or even more guilty.

Because the truth is; for the first time in my entire life. I am completely and undeniably in love. And it is killing me.