Chapter Twelve

Mystic Falls

The Mikaelsons sat around the table, discussing what the best course of action was. Freya had been worried about her family and felt her brothers should have kept the girl within their home. It ensured they would be able to keep a close eye on her. "I still think we should bring her back. Keep her here and make sure she does not act against us." She overlooked the warm feeling she got when she was in the presence of the girl. She disregarded her own feelings. Just like her family, she too felt a connection with the youngest Salvatore.

Elijah stood up and shook his head. "No. We do no such thing. Rebekah has given her word that the girl has no intention of harming our family and she has no knowledge of the witches plotting against us. She will not harm us." He gestured to Rebekah who sat beside him, nodding in agreement. "Perhaps we can work with her and find a means to put this threat to an end?" He waited for his siblings to detest but they didn't. He smiled to himself. The girl was special and had a noteworthy hold on his family.

"We protect her. When I kidnapped her, my intention was to never harm her. I wanted to keep her here, but she will never trust me, if I didn't set her free. Our family has faced many threats and we have survived and reigned triumphant. I wish to protect her. I know the choice I make, is the right choice so if you are with me then-"

"For once, Nik and I are on the same page. We keep her safe. It's all I've done since the day I met her..."

Klaus looked at his brother, his lips curling in amusement. "Kol, you lovesick fool. I warn you, keep your distance."

"Oh yeah brother, and what?" He challenged. "She doesn't trust you in fact she despises of you." He jeered.

He zoomed out his seat, wrapping his hands around his throat. "Is that why I get under her skin...you know I ought to put you back in your box."

Kol shoved him back scowling. "And that will earn you points won't it-"

"ENOUGH!" Bellowed Elijah. "We want the same thing. The safety of our family and Sophia Salvatore. Let us not bicker. Niklaus leave him be." He placed a hand on Klaus's shoulder. "Niklaus, follow me."

Kol glowered as he watched his brothers walk away and ascend up the wide stairs. He turned to face his sisters, meeting their disquieted expressions.

Sophia

I peered into the mirror, looking back at my reflection. Dressed in a black knee length dress. Appropriate attire for a funeral. I straightened the dress. It was Matt's Memorial. He had already been buried. Damon had taken care of it that day. He didn't get a proper funeral, but Caroline helped the committee organise it. I was hesitant at accepting their invitation to the service but after much deliberation I accepted. Not just for Matt but for myself too. I tucked the small jar filled with ashes in my black, glossy cross body bag. The chains felt cool as they rested across my body.

"What are you looking at?" He asked as he entered the room, eyeing me. He leaned forward, mimicking my body language. I glanced over my shoulder and rolled my eyes. When I gave no response, he flopped down onto the bed and continued to badger me with questions. Attending funerals was something I avoided. The atmosphere, the people-everything. Life is a full circle, yet the end was an aspect I ran from. I wasn't afraid to die but what terrified me the most, was the grief and the loss.

"Enzo, why are we going? I don't want to."

He sprung to his feet and crossed over to my side, staring at us in the mirror. "Sometimes attending a funeral helps you acknowledge the reality of death. Whether you are human or not, we all face loss. It also helps you appreciate all that you have." His mouth twitched, into a quick and tender smile. "We're also doing this for Rose and for Hunt. He would want you to be there."

"How is it that even in solemn times like this you know what to say and how to make your dear sister feel better?"

He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I try my best." He stuck out his arm. I inhaled and held my breath for a few seconds before exhaling. Putting on a brave smile I weaved my arm through his and we exited the room.

My brothers stood at the bottom of the stairs. Both dressed in a black suit and tie. They held out their arms for me just like they had done at the Mikaelson ball. I looked to Damon but not Stefan. Not today. Not with all the loss. I weaved my arms through theirs, put on yet another brave smile and we moseyed out.

We walked down the cemetery and into the Snow-White woods. It had an aura that enjoined the soul to stop and wonder for a moment, letting the sight enter the soul. We were met by the rest, who were all gathered around a small altar with Matt's photo. He smiled wide, so full of life. It was then, I noticed his blue eyes. My heart sunk. I felt Stefan squeeze my shoulder, comforting me. The anger wasn't there, nor was the hatred. I put it all to one side and just focused on the day. Resting my head on his arm, I listened. The haunting shrieks of my deceased family were muffled.

Matt's friends adored him. They spoke of his life, of their memories and placed an item each in the shallow stone bowl. Stefan placed Matt's crossbow beside the bowl. Even Damon left something for him. I presumed he cared for the guy deep down. Damon only kept nicknames for those he loved. It was my fault he was gone. I had to live with that for the rest of my life. Noticing how engaged they were in the retelling and mourning of Matt's life, I stepped away. Gazing up at the tall trees that kissed the sky, slowly meandering down the path that led further into the woods. Stopping in the depths I took out the glass jar from my bag and held it close to my chest one last time.

"What are you doing?" Sounded Stefan's voice.

"I told you to stay away from me. Why do you keep breaking it?" I could feel the anger squirming to break free.

I sensed his shrug. "I told you, you're my sister and I'll keep fighting for you."

I turned to him; eyes filled with tears as they spilled over. Two long strides and he pulled me into a hug that perhaps once upon a time I would have rejected and recoiled at. "Hey, what's wrong?" He held me tight. A protective yet comforting hug from a brother. I pulled away wiping at my tears trying my best to be strong. I hate him so why was I allowing him to get this close? Was the grief too much to handle?

Traitor. It was faint but there.

"You didn't know this but, Valarie and I were best friends. We met after she left Mystic Falls behind and she travelled to Europe. Since then, we were the best of friends..." I began to sob as the memories of my beloved best friend flooded in. "You know, Stefan, she loved you...not once did she say a bad thing about you...she's gone Stefan...she was killed-be-because she was protecting me-protecting you. These are her ashes..." I revealed the jar to him. His eyes were downcast, pain etched in his expression. She was his first love and friend. "I came here to scatter her ashes, set her free into the world...here because she loved Mystic Falls...because she loved you."

He shook his head, biting his lip on the verge of tears. "I didn't know any of this. I hadn't spoken to her since she left. I cared about her."

"I know." I struggled to swallow down a still-beating heart. I wrapped my arms around him. Ignoring the ferocious wails, I pulled away. "Would you like to help me scatter her ashes?" I asked, my voice wobbly and snivelling.

He nodded. I took his hands and faced them palm side up. Uncorking the jar, I poured her ashes into his palm and let the jar fall. It shattered as it connected with the ground. I placed my hands above his, fingers pointing down and slowly raised them. The ashes as if on cue rose and swirled in his palms. They rose higher and higher into the crisp winter sky. They danced and twirled further and further away from us. I cried silently as the tears rolled down like torrents. I glanced at Stefan to see a tear escape down the corner of his left eye. He smiled tremulously. "Thank you." Came his soft-spoken voice. My head turned to the Footsteps trudging from behind.

"There you guys are!" Exclaimed Caroline. For a split second, I saw the fear in her. The fear of Stefan being in trouble.

"You okay?" Damon asked, putting an arm around my shoulders. "I know what you did and thank you." He said quietly. Having no words, I placed my head on his side, glancing skyward. She was free now and I hoped hard that she found peace and she was happy. I never truly believed her when she claimed she found peace the day I attempted to bring her back. She was grateful for the years she had spent with us, that's why she rejected all my efforts of raising her back to life. "Thank you for the happiest years of my life, Valarie." I whispered, my voice being carried off by wind, praying it reached her.

"Let's go home." Damon whispered giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

I looked behind me where the tip of the family crypt stood erect. "Uh...you guys go ahead, there's something I need to do."

He raised a brow, opened then closed his mouth. "Look big bro, don't worry I'll be fine, and I'll head straight home after." I pecked his cheek.

I waved them off and took a turn to where the family crypt stood resilient. I pushed the doors open and was greeted by a gust of wind. I turned my head to the east then to the west. Every Salvatore was buried in here and my heart warmed to the thought of my brother Enzo being here. I took a few steps in. Candles were scattered around and the warmth from the flames caressed my skin. Moving inwards, my fingers brushed over the dusty edges of tombstones. His headstone had fresh flowers placed beneath. One of them must have visited him recently. Staring at his name engraved, I brushed my fingers over it. Enzo. A friend. A brother. The engraving lit my face. Beside his headstone was his photo. I did a double take; it was the picture I snapped.

I remembered that day. It was my birthday and they set up a surprise party that was a literal surprise. Valarie insulted Damon and it cracked Enzo up. It was the very last solo picture I had taken of him. "I miss you brother." The tears slipped down. "I'm a mess and all over the place, if you could see me now, you'd agree. Am I selfish for wishing you never found peace so I could bring you back? It's not the same without you! Damon needs you. I need you. I remember how you were always there. Always." I snivelled, wiping the never-ending tears. "You were there. Always there. I know you can't come back, and I have to do this alone and I have to be strong but I want to say thank you for everything." I looked up at the crypt ceiling. "You always knew what to do." Standing before his headstone, God, it was lonely.

"Please Enzo! Come back! I can't forgive him. He took you away from me! How does one move on from that?" I snivelled more. I cried out to him, pouring my heart out. When no more tears came, I lit the matchstick and lit another candle. Leaving the family crypt was hard for me. I made the mental intention to visit regularly and speak out my mind regardless of if I was heard or not.

•

Once home I changed into a pair of light blue skinny jeans and a white long sleeved body suit. I slipped my arms into a light grey, knitted maxi cardigan. I was glad to have been out the heels and into shoes more comfortable. Caroline, Bonnie, and Damon headed out to grab a few things for a chilled night in with movies, snacks, and games. Not to forget the excess drinking that I never took part in. They wanted to do something to remember Matt by and liven up the atmosphere. It left Stefan and I at home. I pulled out a small black, ribboned box from the drawer. Removing the lid I peered down, titling the box slightly. Resting in the cushion was a diamond studded infinity necklace, just waiting to be picked up and worn. For years I kept it away, too hurt to wear it. It was Enzo's gift to me, and I had always worn it with my family crest but when he died, I couldn't bear to keep it on me. It was a constant reminder that he was torn away from me. I would wear it now, and remember the love and what he meant to me and why I could never forgive Stefan. Placing the box down I picked out the necklace and put it around my neck.

"Sophia?" Stefan called out from the bottom of the stairs.

"I'm coming." I hurried out the room and down the stairs where he waited for me, now in the parlour.

For once he wasn't drinking. I feigned a gasp. "You're not drinking...there's no glass of bourbon in your hand. Am I in an alternate reality where the Stefan Salvatore doesn't drink!" A cushion hurled towards me. I ducked down as it sailed over my head, giggling. "Ha! You missed!"

"Ha ha very funny." He mocked. "Sophia, I want to thank you for today. Today you gave me hope. You are our Salvation whether you want to believe it or not. Damon told me all the times you saved him, brought his humanity back each and every time you saved him. Whether you know it or not, you are what Damon and I have tried for so long to be...each other's salvation..." He slumped down on the throne, rubbing his face. "You live up to the Salvatore name far better than he and I could-"

"Stefan, I'm not sure I can be anyone's salvation. I've got so many unresolved issues and feelings within me, I don't think I can find peace or be anyone's peace...as far as salvation is concerned, then I don't know any of that...i don't want to lie to you and give you false hope. I can't find it in my heart to...look, we're speaking but, we're still a long way from being what you and Damon are."

He gave a small chuckle. "I deserved it but ever since I found out who you are, everything changed. This feeling of guilt, loss and pain disappeared. Now all I have is hope. For so long I've hated myself for the past, for the things I have done when I had my humanity off, when I was the ripper me but then I realised we choose our own paths. Our values and actions, they define who we are...so I can live in the past and resent myself or I can do better not just for myself but those around me."

"What changed?" I hated the position I was put in. I hated that I stood there and listened to him. They appeared behind him, my dead family. It took all my willpower to pretend I didn't see them and that I wasn't rattled.

"The people I love...when you find someone who makes you feel alive, hold onto them Sophia. Damon never left me or gave up on me even when I had given up on him, many years ago. Then it was you, today. You saved me. I know you haven't forgiven me, not by a long shot but you're here and I'm okay with that." He looked towards me, eyes filled with hope and determination and a warmth surrounded him. He flashed a warm smile, a smile that reached his ears. In that moment all the hatred I had felt for him, dissolved. Dissipated. All the sorrow and guilt made itself scarce and in my heart was a warmth and a hope for a better future. Since arriving to Mystic Falls, I never witnessed this genuine happiness and peace within. It was infectious and I returned the same warming smile. The sound of the doorbell interrupted us.

"Who?" I mouthed.

His face crumpled. "I don't know."

He followed me out. I unlocked the door and swung it open. "Klaus?"

"Hello luv." He said with a ghost of a smirk.

"What do you want Klaus?" Stefan pushed past me.

He chuckled, bug -eyed and curious at how protective Stefan had become. He seemed pleased. "No need for the hostility, I've merely come to pass an invitation. The Mikaelsons would appreciate the Salvatores joining us for Christmas dinner and dance tomorrow, as it so happens to be Christmas Eve." His gaze landed on me, eyes dancing with mischief.

"Thank you, we'll be there Klaus. I'll be sure to let everyone else know." I accepted before Stefan had the chance to object.

"Splendid." He gloried. "Luv, would you step outside with me for a little chat, clear a few misunderstandings?"

Stefan shifted in his spot, glancing back at me, pleading that I rejected Klaus and denied him any opportunity. "I'll be fine Stefan, don't worry. And you, you have five minutes, nothing more."

He gleamed. "Very well."

I watched as Stefan closed the door before following Klaus into the driveway. He stuck out his arm for me to take but I refused. "What is it Klaus?"

"Ouch." He clutched his hand to his chest, playing hurt again. His mouth quirked up in a grin. "How about a little walk?"

"Sure, but why do you need to speak to me? You better hurry before Damon gets back. He won't be too pleased to see you, not after what you did. Regardless of you guys burying the hatchet, you should know my brothers, they don't let things go easily."

He chuckled but it wasn't a dark chuckle, not the one I heard many times before. This was a light-hearted chuckle. "I do apologise for hurting you...I'm sorry. I never Intended to hurt you; I need you to believe me when I say that. For so long my family have been fighting to survive and protect one another and my sister Freya, well she takes all threats seriously. Naturally she reacted how any older sibling would when danger stares in our faces-"

"Klaus, why are you telling me all this?" I questioned, with arms folded.

"I don't want you hating me. I am aware you mean my family no harm and considering...you have taken an interest in a particular Mikaelson." The colour drained from my face at the indirect mention of Kol. "And I happen to be fond of you-"

"Klaus, stop!"

He chortled. He stopped walking and spun around to face me. Gazing deep into my eyes, pushing me to the point of discomfited. "I promised to protect you. I promise to protect you, my family will protect you." I believed him when he uttered those words. I felt the sincerity. I heard it.

Inhaling in a sharp breath and exhaling back out. It was confounding. Why did he care? "Why?"

"Rebekah cares for you, need I say...Kol. And Elijah, he is determined to protect his new friend. Your love of literature sits well with him as he finally has someone to share his pride and joy with"

I glanced around feeling uneasy. "I-you don't need to, I'll be fine. I don't need you to protect me Klaus-"

"Why do you hate me?" He was sincere, something I didn't think he was capable of.

"I don't hate you, I just...I don't like you very much for what you did, and I don't think I can forgive you for that."

"But you forgave Stefan?"

I scrunched my face fuming. "I haven't forgiven him but that is not of your concern. Now if that is all, I'll like to take my leave!" I stalked onwards to the direction of home. This man was infuriating. I could hear him laugh behind me, finding my reaction amusing. Ignoring him I carried on speed walking away from him, bumping into a very displeased and disappointed Damon. Stefan told Damon where I had gone, and I exceeded the limit I said I would give the hybrid. So naturally as big brothers they panicked and assumed that I was in trouble and went out searching for me. We argued, walking back into the house.

"Honestly, we don't need to worry about them harming me! Go speak to Rebekah or Elijah in fact, I'll call them up for you!! They trust us so we should trust them!! You can discuss your terms and conditions with them tomorrow at the Christmas whatever they invited us to!"

"Fine!" Damon glowered back and forth between Stefan and me.

Stefan raised his arms in the air shrugging. "Don't look at me. She's the one that accepted the invite, plus I got texts invites from both Elijah and Beks."

"Oh and so did we." Chimed Caroline. "Bonnie got one from Klaus too."

"Yep." She popped her lips. "You know, technically I don't have-Caroline and I don't have an issue with Klaus it's you two brothers...I'm so glad I was an only child."

"I know me too! Urgh, imagine having not one but two overprotective and overbearing brothers...ew." Care shivered. Bonnie and her were having a right laugh. I turned back to the brooding brothers and shrugged.

"I mean you were all fine with the Mikaelsons before I rocked up. You were somewhat friends."

"Ha ha funny, real mature." He yanked the glass out of Stefan's hand and gulped down the remaining drops of bourbon before slamming the glass back down. "We're going to the Christmas ball, but you make sure you stay away from Kol and Klaus. Go near Elijah, Barbie Klaus, Freya for all I care but make no mistake, stay away from the other two!"

"OH MY GOD! Will you guys just relax! I just spoke to Klaus, and they promised to protect me, and you may not trust them, but I trust them okay! All I'm asking is for you to trust me. Stefan, you do, right?" I waved to him, throwing him off by the sudden mention of his name. He fumbled over his words, avoiding Damon's glare.

"Yes, I trust Sophia and I think we should allow her to do what she thinks is best." He finally managed. I beamed at him for his support. I wanted to hug him in that moment but something within me held me back.

Caroline suggested we spend some time at grill for some food and they wanted drinks. We agreed and set out. My heart began to race as his gaze followed mine. I closed my eyes and stabled my breathing, desperately trying to settle my heart beats. He was far yet it felt as though he was right next to me. That's how much power his presence had over me. "Kol is staring at you and I'm gonna snap his neck."

"Damon! You will do no such thing! Go drink or something and let me have my hot chocolate in peace or at least get me some fries or maybe a milkshake!" I sighed, rolling my eyes at him. Caroline and Bonnie smirked. Kol stood by the pool table. I wasn't sure if he was even paying attention to the game as his eyes seemed to be glued to me. He smiled affectionately. Skittish, I tucked my hair behind my ears. Caroline stared at me mouth wide open. "Oh. My. God! You have a thing for him! Seriously!"

"No way." Bonnie held her hand over her mouth in shock. "How long?"

"Shhhh! Lower your voices before my brothers hear! And I so do not fancy him." I lied straight through my teeth, twiddling with my thumbs, uncomfortable and guilty.

"You're lying!" Caroline clucked. "Sophia Salvatore, what is going on between you that Sadistic murderer?" She sassed.

I sighed, flapping my arms down on the table. I knew Kol was listening in on our conversation, it was futile to lower my voice, but yet I spoke in a hushed tone, praying he wouldn't hear. By the smirk on his face, he heard everything. "We kissed after the ball and I don't know...but...I can't explain it and Caroline, he's hardly a sadistic killer. He's not the monster you all think him to be."

They stared back and forth, mouths agape. An awkward silence fell between us. I got up and excused myself because I couldn't handle them gawking at me with worry painted all over them. I marched over to the pool table and grabbed the cue stick from the side. Kol gave a cheeky grin and gestured towards the table, offering me the first shot. I wasn't so sure on how to play, and I certainly had no clue why I went there in the first place. What had taken over me? "Honestly, I don't know how to play but I'm all for trying new things." I declared as i nervously walked closer to the table and lined the cue towards the white ball. I knew that was the correct way, but I looked back at him for approval. I felt him behind me, his hand gently brushing my hip as he leaned over me, aligning the stick better than I had. I felt my heart burst, threatening to pop right out. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered wildly.

"There." He whispered in my ear causing the hairs on my arms to rise. He gave me goosebumps. His breath was warm, and a mix of cherry and peppermint hit me. So very intoxicating, dancing on my tongue. For a moment I lost myself- my focus but I refocused my attention back to the game and took my shot. Grinning widely, as two spotted balls rolled into the right corner pocket. I stood straight, one arm on my waist while the other stretched the cue out. "How about that." I said playfully.

He grabbed the cue out my hand and lined it behind the white ball. "Beginner's luck." He teased. So he had no faith that I could beat him. I smirked. He aimed for the stripped ball but missed. I burst out with laughter. "No one likes a bragger Mikaelson. You just lost to me-"

"Hardly. And who said the game was over love?" He circled me, hands sliding down my waist as he swivelled me out the way. The game went on. He made me laugh. He was surprisingly, extremely funny and sweet. Most of all, gentle. I was having fun, more fun than ever. I couldn't remember the last time I felt like this or had a good laugh. I felt alive. How could this man be a monster? How could he be a cold-blooded killer? I knew he was wild, I witnessed that side of him today. But I felt so free in his presence. It was uplifting. I saw that light again. How his brown eyes sparkled when he looked at me. At this stage of the game, we were tied and having one ball left each to pot and the eight ball. I brushed past him, my turn once again. I aimed at the white ball adjacent to the last spotted ball. I struck it with just enough force and watched as it rolled into the side pocket. I threw my arms in the air and cheered. I had won the game! I caught my brothers smirking. Of course, they weren't pleased I was with Kol but I did show him and that amused them. Most of all, I was enjoying myself.

"Uh uh uh...you've not won yet love." He chuckled as I met his gaze puzzled. I looked down at the table. The eight-ball remained. I cursed. He gave a devilish chuckle and bent over the table. He hit the white ball and it sent both his stripped ball and the black eight ball into the same pocket. He had won. Kol Mikaelson won.

"You're heartless. I thought you'd let me win since I am a beginner. Guess I was wrong." Immediately his smile turned into a frown. He was truly wounded. I stared at him stunned. I hadn't meant to call him that. "Kol, I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that...please-" I was cut off by his sudden movement. Finding myself swept up in his arms.

"Is that what you think me of? Heartless."

I shook my head unable to speak. I was terrified that he'd hear my racing heart, the flutters and how my breathing changed. I tried to speak but I was at a loss. The warmth of his body so close on me, his peppermint breath brushing my cheeks as he spoke, his voice smoky. All I could feel was his arms tightly wrapped around my waist. He continued to speak in a whisper. "I can hear your heart thundering. How it beats faster when I come close to you...it beats faster and faster...I heard what you said to your sister-in-laws. What's wrong? There's no need to hide it..."

"I don't know what you're talking about, I have nothing to hide." I tried appearing emotionless, but it was a miserable attempt. My breathing increased the more nervous and weaker I felt in his arms.

"Then answer this, darling. Why have you not pushed me off?"

I froze up again. I couldn't speak, it was as if Kol had total and complete control over me. His grin told me he knew this. I wanted to melt in his hold. I pushed him off as soon as he loosened his hold. "I don't know what you want me to say Kol Mikaelson! I don't even know what this thing we have is! You kissed me and...."

"What?" He asked, pulling me back in. "What is it?"

"What do you want? Because I don't know, and I am so fed up with whatever this is. The staring, the laughter-"

"I want you!" His confession stunned me. "I've wanted you since the moment I laid my eyes on you. I want you, Sophia Salvatore! That is, if you'll have me." He gazed into my eyes, searching for my answer, stroking the side of my jaw.

I wasn't thinking, i just blurted out the words. "Yes! I want you too!"

He grinned from ear to ear. I had never seen him smile so broad. It was the most humane, truest smile I had ever seen. "Well in that case will you be my date tomorrow to the ball my family is throwing, yet again?"

"Yes, your brother did invite us and yes, I'll love to be your date." My cheeks were beginning to warm up, flaring pink I was certain.

He grabbed my face and kissed the top of my head. A rush of warmth flowed through me, straight to my soul. He kissed my forehead again, seeing my reaction. How it left me breathless, yet gleaming. It was the sweetest and purest moment. "You know what you are?" He asked as he pulled away.

"What?"

"Mine." He had that infamous smirk back on and that hint of mischief danced in his eyes. "You're mine."

I smiled at him, my head tilted to the side, looking up into his soft brown eyes. "I'm yours as you are mine." I snapped out the moment remembering my brothers were watching and knew they would start a fight. I turned and glanced around the grill. They were gone. That was strange. I pursed my lips. "Hmmm...where have they gone?" I couldn't spot any of my family members. Perhaps they had gotten bored of me, bored of watching us play and decided to leave me alone as I was capable of protecting myself.

Kol guffawed. "They left ages go, love. You have nothing to worry about. Don't you worry your pretty little mind."

"You didn't think to tell me?"

"Relax, they saw you were happy and safe and decided to leave us be. I even got a nod from Damon."

I arched a brow at him. "Really?"

"Indeed, although this was before our little game of confession. It would be entertaining to watch their reactions when they see us together at the Christmas ball."

"What is it with you and your family and all your balls and parties. You never miss an opportunity to flaunt, do you?"

"It is a Mikaelson tradition. For a Millennium it has."

"Oh god you're old." I teased him. He grabbed my hips and pulled me in, his kiss catching me off guard. This was different to the kiss we shared before. In that kiss was the sweetness of passion, a million loving thoughts all condensed into one moment. Was this what love felt like? Was this being in love? But all I knew in that moment; I was on top of the world. It didn't matter things were moving too fast and I was falling hard.