The Girl in the Woods

Chapter 7: Truly, Madly, Deeply (Part 2)

Disclaimer: One of the scenes here is inspired by the webtoon "I'm the Male Lead's "Girl" Friend". And I do not own The Vampire Diaries or The Originals. This is purely a work of Fanfiction.

~TGITW~

Chapter 7: Truly, Madly, Deeply (Part 2)

"Truly, madly and deeply, as the writer said." – Beauty, Fables

MYSTIC FALLS. 1000 A.D.

Niklaus' POV

It was a sight to behold. But all I could see was the girl admiring it all.

I followed her gaze as she studied the land. Then she closed her eyes and held out her arms to bathe in the sunlight. A small smile forming on her lips making me smile as well.

She looked at peace and happy. I was right to bring her here.

I had discovered this spot while I was out hunting. Immediately, I knew she would love it. So, I had showed it to Elijah knowing he would want to bring Tatia here. Then I convinced him to bring the others as well. I knew Faith would not be able to say no to Elijah. While the thought of it made my heart ached, I'm glad it brought her here.

My thoughts flashed back to the night when it all changed.

I could not sleep so I had stepped out to get some fresh air. It turned out Faith could not either and I found her sitting against the outside wall. She saw me and gestured to the spot beside her. I went and sat down beside her.

"Can't sleep either huh?" She whispered.

I shook my head in reply.

We settled into a comfortable silence while gazing at the stars.

I was grateful to her. She was always rescuing me from father's wrath and she always seem to know the right words to say to comfort me. Even in this silence, she gave me what I needed.

Noises inside the house indicated that father and mother had just arrived home. Father had slammed the door in anger and was arguing with mother. Their voices carried over to us through the window right above where we were sitting. Faith and I shared a look before leaning against the wall to eavesdrop.

They were always arguing about something. This time, it was about me.

The words he was saying were not new. But each word was a cut to my heart. A reminder that I was a disappointed to my father. That I was not loved by my father. I could feel my eyes water and as I was attempting to hold back tears, I felt warm hands over my ears.

"You don't have to listen to this."

I looked up to see Faith looking at me with her hands covering my ears. She must've noticed my reaction for her face showed that she couldn't stand what Mikael was saying anymore.

"Thank you." The words barely came out of my mouth.

She smiled compassionately at me and looking at her eyes, I knew. I knew that she understood my pain. I knew I was not alone.

Things changed that night. We had formed an unspoken bond through the pain in our hearts. Now whenever we were together, all seems right with the world. Even now watching her made me feel calm.

It was strange. She was neither beautiful nor hideous but there was an otherworldly attraction to her. Something about her that drew me. The way the sun fell on her dark hair and pale skin. The way she looked at me in curiosity as she discovered me watching her. The way her thoughts would show on her face.