Ariel Forbes - The Vampire Diaries #Wattys2021

Heart of Darkness

"Why did I get in the car with you?"

After saying goodbye to Stefan and Kol's return, she took him up on his offer for a road trip. However, he wouldn't tell her where they were going and that it was a surprise. When she called Caroline to let her know she would be out of town for a few days, she suffered her older sister's wrath for an hour.

"Darling you know can't resist my charms. Besides, you need a break from that hellhole you all call a town. When was the last time you enjoyed life?"

"...Before I found out vampires, werewolves and witches existed..."

"See! Take a breather. We'll reach our destination in the next hour. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride."

"Okay but I want to ask you something."

"Shoot."

"...Why me?"

"Hmm?"

"Why me? I mean why did you choose me?"

"I just... I just had to know you." 

"But why?"

"Let me ask you something. Why did you save my brother?"

"But you didn't answer my question!"

"I'll answer that another time but you can ask me about something else. Now your answer?"

"...Because he didn't deserve that. Finn hasn't done anything to Elena and the rest of us so why should he die? Who is Elena to decide that? Finn was in a coffin for nine-hundred years, you for a hundred. All of you were almost killed by your mother and Finn was manipulated by her. You two deserve to be happy as well and it would be nice if you all could get along."

"I'm fine as it is... You're enough for me."

"Kol, I know that you weren't included in always and forever. The three of them were wrong for not including you and Finn and you have a thousand years of resentment... Instead of looking back, try to look forward. The five of you can have a fresh start as a family... You don't have to if you don't want to."

"...I'll think about it... My siblings don't deserve you... I don't deserve you."

Ariel smiles sweetly at him and takes his hand resting on the armrest to lace their fingers together. "Even you deserve happiness, mini Elijah."

"Why must you always do that?"

Ariel tries to hold back a giggle. "My turn! So you're old-"

"I beg your pardon?"

"How many times have you been in love?"

"...One."

"One? Really?!"

"Is it really that hard to believe?"

"Yes! You've been alive for a thousand years!"

"Well this one was different. Once I saw her, I just had to know her. Every chance I got to see her, she would save me from the darkest parts of myself."

"She must have been very special."

"She was."

"So when will you answer my first question?"

"...When it's the right time."

An hour later, the two arrive in Denver and head to the batting cages.

"So why did you bring me to Denver?"

Kol brings Ariel to one of the cages and points at a young man.