Force of Gravity • NM

•33•

Kol was nothing if not a morning enthusiast, and today, his enthusiasm knew no bounds. Bursting into Naira's room, he yanked the covers off her, a mischievous grin plastered across his face.

"Rise and shine, darling! Important matters await!" Kol declared, earning a grumble from a very groggy Naira.

"Kol, I swear, if you don't let me sleep..." she mumbled, pulling the pillow over her face.

"Oh, you'll thank me for this," he retorted, dragging her by the arm. "I've cracked the mystery of your dream."

The mention of her dream made her perk up slightly, though she remained annoyed. "Kol, it's just a dream. It doesn't need cracking."

Kol ignored her protests, hauling her into the hall where the others were reluctantly gathering. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present my theory," he announced dramatically. "The man in Naira's dream? It has to be Silas."

The room fell silent for a moment before chaos erupted. Damon rolled his eyes. "Of course, it's Silas. Because why wouldn't it be?"

Elena frowned. "If it is Silas, that's not exactly good news."

Kol continued, undeterred. "Think about it-Stefan's doppelgänger lineage, the first immortal, the cure. It all adds up."

"What cure?" Naira asked, rubbing her temples as she sat at the edge of the couch.

"The cure for vampirism," Stefan explained, his tone cautious. "But it's not what it seems, Naira. It could bring more trouble than it's worth."

The discussion spiraled into warnings and heated debates. Naira's annoyance grew with every passing second, her hunger only fueling her irritation. Deciding she'd had enough, she slipped away to the kitchen.

Standing at the counter with a plate of leftover pancakes, Naira's gaze drifted back to the group in the hall. She watched them interact-the way Damon teased Elena with snarky comments that made her smile, Kol's animated gestures as he tried to prove his point to Bonnie, Stefan's calm presence beside a visibly nervous Rebekah.

Her eyes landed on Klaus, standing off to the side, his usual confidence tinged with something quieter. Guilt? Uncertainty? He hadn't spoken a word to her since she'd woken up, and the realization stung more than she cared to admit. Her heart clenched as it hit her: she had feelings for him.

She shook her head, trying to push the thought away. Her mind wandered to Elijah-his elegance, his sense of morality. Did he have a one true love? And Finn? What about him? Her thoughts took a detour as she tried to imagine Caroline with them. No, she decided almost instantly. That wouldn't work.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Caroline's voice broke her reverie.

Naira blinked, startled. "What? Oh, nothing."

Caroline smirked. "You've got that look. Spill."

After a moment of hesitation, Naira leaned in and whispered, "I was thinking about finding Finn his one true love."

Caroline's eyes widened, then sparkled with intrigue. "Now that's a plan I can get behind."

Later, gathering her courage, Naira found Klaus standing by the fireplace, his gaze distant. She walked straight up to him and grabbed his wrist, pulling him into the nearest room.

The sudden movement caused everyone else to pause mid-conversation. Damon raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's one way to start the day."

Kol grinned. "Is it just me, or did that seem rather... passionate?"

Inside the room, Klaus regarded Naira with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "What's the matter, love?"

She crossed her arms, her voice firm but quivering. "Why are you ignoring me? Since I woke up, you've avoided me like the plague. Did I do something wrong?"

His expression softened. "Naira, it's not that-"

"Then what is it? You're supposed to be my friend, but you've barely looked at me," she interrupted, her voice breaking. "I thought we-" She stopped, her eyes welling with tears.

Klaus felt a pang of guilt. He stepped closer, his voice low. "I didn't know how to approach you. After everything... what you did for my family... I didn't know if I deserved your kindness."

Her tears spilled over, frustration evident. "You're an idiot, Niklaus Mikaelson."

Before he could respond, she continued, "I didn't do it for gratitude. I did it because I care about you. And maybe I was stupid to think you cared too."

Klaus's resolve broke. In one swift motion, he closed the distance between them, cupping her face gently. "You are the furthest thing from stupid," he murmured before pressing his lips to hers.

The kiss was soft at first, a tentative exploration of emotions too long suppressed. Then it deepened, passion and relief interwoven. Klaus's hands rested on her waist, pulling her closer as Naira's fingers curled into his shirt.

Outside the room, Stefan let out a low groan. "Really, Klaus? Now?"

Damon smirked. "I'm just saying, if he hurts her, we're putting him in a box. I mean it!."

The others tried to stifle their laughter. Kol couldn't resist. "Our Nik finally grows a heart, and it's for the little spitfire. Who would've thought?"

Inside, Klaus pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "For making you feel this way. For everything."

Naira sniffled but smiled, her tears drying. "You're forgiven. But next time, talk to me, okay?"

He chuckled. "You have my word, love."

As they opened the door, a chorus of teasing comments greeted them. Naira blushed furiously, hiding her face in Klaus's chest. Damon raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, lovebirds, lets go have breakfast."

Naira muttered under her breath, "I'm never living this down."

Klaus only smiled, his arm wrapped protectively around her as they walked past the smirking group. For once, he didn't care what anyone thought.