I'm not trying to say
I'll have it all my way
I'm always willing to learn
When you've got something to teach
And I'll make it all worthwhile
I'll make your heart smile

Depeche Mode – Strangelove

Chapter 23

The thing called love

I had a lot to think about when I headed back home, I wasn't even sure where to start. If, and that was a big if, the old woman could actually do what she had said, what would that mean? I had dreamt about an opportunity like this, but there were so many questions and things I was unsure about. Being in someone else's body sounded very strange, what were the risks she had mentioned?

I didn't know very much about witchcraft, but I knew it should never be taken lightly, even Klaus had said that. I really needed some advice… I didn't have time to properly formulate my thought when someone grabbed me from behind and yanked me off Orsino. No human could have surprised me like that, this was a vampire. He trapped me against his chest by wrapping his arms around me. My fangs were out immediately and I was ready to defend myself when I picked up the familiar scent.

"Boo," a voice whispered in my ear. "Someone is slow."

I smiled and bit his other hand.

"Hey!" Kol protested. "No biting."

"Says who?" I asked and squirmed myself free. As soon as he let me go, I turned around and attacked him, he laughed and allowed me to push him over on the ground. I jumped on him and pinned his wrists above his head with a loud "Ha!" of triumph.

"Alright, alright," he chuckled. "I surrender."

I smiled and kissed his cheek before getting off him.

"What brings you here?" I asked while he got up. I hadn't seen him for two years, but I had missed him, I enjoyed spending time with him.

"I came to see my midget," he replied smiling and ruffled my hair. I would have been angry if anyone else would have called me that, but he was allowed to, I knew he didn't mean that as an insult, it had always been his pet name for me. I wrapped my arms around him and rubbed my cheek against his palm; he scooped me up and touched my hair.

"How are things?" he asked.

I hesitated, I wanted to tell him what had just happened, but I wasn't ready to talk about it, I needed to ponder it first by myself.

"Fine," I replied. "I love it here."

"I am glad to hear that. Have you been in Florence?"

"Few times."

He grinned.

"Well, tonight you are going there with me, I ran into some old acquaintances of mine on my way here and they invited me to a party."

My eyes widened.

"You…want me to go to a party with you?"

"Yes, I came here to pick you up. In fact, we are leaving right now, my carriage is waiting."

"I am not properly dressed," I protested. "And I must take Orsino home first…"

"No need to worry about that," he interrupted me and waved his hand. A young man approached us, I hadn't noticed him. Kol instructed him to take my pony to the villa and let Elijah know that I wouldn't return before tomorrow.

"It's good that I saw you riding here," he said. "I was prepared for spending few hours persuading Rebekah and Elijah to allow you to come with me, but this is much better."

"What if I would not have wanted to come with you?" I asked.

He grinned.

"Oh come on, we always have good time together."

I couldn't really deny that, he was a fun company. I decided to forget my dilemma for this evening and try to have some fun; it had been a while since I had been out, maybe we could go hunting after this party. Kol carried me to the road where his carriage was waiting; he placed me on the ground in front of the door and opened it.

"My lady," he said and bowed.

I smiled and curtsied.

"Thank you, my lord."

I got in and made myself comfortable, the ride to Florence would take at least two hours. Kol sat down opposite me and grinned.

"This is going to be fun."

I bit my bottom lip and looked at him.

"I have not been out much lately."

He raised his eyebrows.

"Why not?"

I sighed.

"I do not like to be treated like a doll; people think that they can just touch me without my permission. Usually the other vampires are even worse."

"Hey," he said and leaned towards me. "That will not happen tonight, not when you are with me."

His words made me smile; he always knew how to cheer me up.

"So, where have you been?" I asked.

He shrugged.

"I have traveled around, you know I enjoy traveling."

I nodded.

"Yes."

He smiled and touched my cheek.

"You know what, midget, one of these days I will take you with me."

I giggled, for some strange reason he always made me feel like a young girl. He lifted me up and placed me on his lap, usually I didn't appreciate people doing that without asking, but I didn't mind him doing it. He wrapped his arms around me and leaned his cheek on the top of my head.

"My midget…"

I knew that he was considered to be cruel and heartless vampire, just as bad as Klaus, and most people never get to see the caring side of him. He certainly had a caring side, but he only showed it when we were alone, he probably saw it as a weakness. I had learned to understand him and Klaus pretty well along the years and I knew they weren't just monsters. I didn't know which one of them was my maker, but I loved them both just the same. Would things be different if my body would have grown, I really didn't know. What if I would be an adult for a one day? I had dreamt of having my first kiss, but I wasn't sure who I wanted to kiss. I sighed and leaned my head on Kol's chest, I liked being close to him.

"Kol?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you love me?"

"You know I do, midget."

I hesitated a moment before continuing.

"Would you love me more if I would look like an adult?"

I felt his body tensing before he pulled away.

"What are you talking about?"

"I… Sometimes I wish…"

I wasn't sure how to continue, he turned me around in order to see my face.

"Listen, midget, let me tell you a little secret," he said, he sounded serious. "I have never loved anyone who is not related to me."

My eyes widened.

"Not ever? But…what about all those women…"

"I love some parts of them," he replied humorlessly. "Their body and their blood, but that is it. Truth be told, I never believed any other kind of love exists and even if it would, who would want that."

I thought about his words for a moment, it sounded strange that he had never been in love.

"So," he continued. "When I say that I love you, you can be sure that I mean it. You are actually the only person I have ever said it to."

"Really?"

He nodded.

"Yes, but let's keep this between you and me, shall we?"

I smiled and kissed his cheek.

"I promise. And I love you too."

His grin was back.

"Of course you do, who wouldn't?"

I rolled my eyes.

"I especially like your modesty."

He chuckled and kissed my forehead.

"You are my special lady, midget, don't ever forget that."