There was no doubt Kol was charming. And to Elena, he seemed so normal. Oh, how she longed for normal again. Of course, she wasn't aware that this man beside her was Klaus' brother, and he had no intention of informing her just yet. They laughed and joked together as two people who met a bar might. If only he knew what her life was really like, she thought. He'd run for the hills. And yet Kol looked to Elena like a man who could handle himself. He was obviously very successful, he wore an expensive suit and he'd ordered the most exclusive bottle of champagne in the bar. How disappointed he'll be when he finds out he can't take me home, Elena thought to herself. Perhaps she might even end up a little disappointed herself. He certainly was her type after all.

He was touchy. He longed to be in contact with her at all times. Whether it was touching her hand or her leg when they spoke, or occasionally brushing her hair behind her ear and away from her glistening eyes. Kol loved to touch her skin, he loved his eyes to be in contact with hers constantly and he knew she was lapping it all up. Kol could finally understand why his brother, Klaus, is so intrigued by these doppelgangers. They are exquisitely beautiful, he thought. And Elena was making him very interested indeed. What may have originally began as a way to windup his brother on his return into town was suddenly seeming like it could be something far more interesting.

Elena was funny and witty, and Kol found himself smiling along with her in a way he hadn't in a long time. He'd always been the black sheep of his family, perhaps little windups like this were part of the reason why, but he didn't care. He didn't desire his family's love or affection, and Klaus' least of all.

"Elena Gilbert, you are one interesting girl. Pray tell me, what brings you to New Orleans?" he finally asked.

"I'm here with a…friend actually. Unfortunately, he had to attend to some business and had to go tonight."

"A friend, you don't so sure Elena?" She loved the way he always addressed her with her name.

"I'm not entirely sure if he is one in all honestly, he could be less or….more."

Kol nearly spat out his drink when he heard her say 'more', no way could she possibly be developing feelings for Klaus? He tried to compose himself, and assure her the drink had just gone the wrong way down his throat.

Elena was enjoying herself with Kol, but she was becoming increasingly aware she had stayed far later than she should.

"I really should be getting back, the place I'm staying has er, pretty strict rules."

"Let me walk you home, Miss Gilbert. You wouldn't believe the things that happen in New Orleans at night." He said with a wink.

Surely it couldn't hurt to let him walk her back, could it? If Klaus asked she could just say she was lost or scared and the man had helped her. Surely he wouldn't rip Kol to shreds if she told him that?

They took a scenic walk back through the French quarter and Kol had suddenly turned up his charm offensive. He was dancing in the street with her, holding her hand and even purchased a single red rose from a street seller and gave it to her. The big moon shone in the sky, and the stars sparkled and Elena was losing herself in the moment. He stopped her in the street just outside the house and asked her, "Kiss me?" and she did.

He smirked, not smiled, afterwards.

"So you're staying with Klaus, are you?" Kol asked, of course he already knew. Taking her hand in his and looking deep into her eyes. She didn't answer, she was shocked. Had he known all along, had she been stupid? She racked her brain to remember if she had said anything she shouldn't of. "I actually need to speak with him, whilst I'm here. Shall we?" he said, directing her towards the door.

Elena pushed the door open quietly, hoping no one would hear her arrive home. That Klaus would be out, and Kol would have to leave.

"Elena, where have you been love? I've been worr-" Klaus said, coming quickly down the stairs and towards the door, he stopped silent when he saw Kol behind her.

"Hello Brother. I suppose you weren't expecting me?" Kol said, moving to stand beside Elena, with a big smirk on his face.

Brother. Brother. Brother. The word replaying in Elena's head. How could she be so stupid? She'd kissed him. Oh god she'd kissed him. Klaus' brother.

"Kol. What an unpleasant surprise." Klaus said, trying to regain his composure after his shock. "So I see you've found my doppelganger."

Elena just stood silently in between what felt like a centuries worth of tension.

"Well we sort of found each other actually, didn't we Elena? You left her all alone at a bar, tut, Klaus what terrible manners you have. She was so lucky she had your little brother to keep her company all night."

"Klaus-" Elena started, but Klaus cut her straight off.

"-Kol. I wouldn't if I were you." Elena could feel the anger in his voice.

"Why, jealous are we brother? I would be if I were you. She's excellent company, and oh, a great kisser. I'm sure she'd of liked to gone further if she didn't have to come home to your face instead."

And with that Klaus launched at Kol, tackling him to the ground. The were a good match for each other, but Klaus as a hybrid could overpower Kol. Kol just laughed.

Elena shouted at them both to stop it, but they wouldn't. The only other way she could think to get Klaus' attention would be to walk out the door, so she did. And it certainly worked.

"Where do you think you are going, love?" Klaus' voice was different with her than it had been earlier. It was horrible, sinister, dangerous.

"I won't stay and be in the middle of this." Elena said strongly.

"Oh love, please don't be confused by the niceties of the last few days. You really don't have a choice." It was as if something in Klaus had snapped and Elena hated herself for being part of the cause of it.

Klaus was gone to the other side of the room and back in a flash. Lydia let out an almighty scream, and before Elena could really figure out what was happening Klaus was chuckling to himself and blood was all over the floor. Elena at first thought he had hurt Lydia but soon realised it was Lydia's sister who had her heart removed. Elena rushed to be beside her and Lydia.

"You're a monster." Elena shouted at Klaus.

"And don't you forget it, love." He replied.

I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far! I've got big plans for this but it's hard to stay motivated without people letting me know they are enjoying it so please, read review and favourite!

thank you all so much for reading this far.