The Vampire Diaries

"If it weren't for me a little girl would grow up with her mum. You'd have her when you needed her."

Astrid frowned deeply and slid her arms up around him to pull him into a tight hug, "Sshh, pretty boy. Listen to me, believe me, it's not your fault. It's really, really not your fault."

"Don't. Don't comfort me."

"You need it, you've been a stone for me..." Astrid whispered quietly, "You need to know that it's not your fault, it's an awful burden for you to put on yourself."

"But it is! It is!"

"No, no.." She soothed, kissing the side of his head gently as she brushed her fingers through his hair affectionately. "You didn't choose to get hurt, you weren't the one that killed my mother - the people that done it were. You went out for a drink with your sister, it doesn't make it your fault."

Kol just shook his head.

"It's not your fault, pretty boy, it's not your fault." Astrid comforted, lifting her head up to rest it on his. Tightening her arms around him a little bit. "You'll go insane if you blame yourself for that, all the guilt that'd come along with it. Stop being silly, stop blaming yourself. I'm just grateful that you and Rebekah didn't die too. None of this is your fault."

Kol didn't say anything then.

"It''s not your fault, it's not your fault." Astrid insisted as she held him close.

"Mm. Happy new year Astrid." Kol whispered as the countdown ended and more fireworks were set off.

"Happy new year, Kol," Astrid whispered with a small sigh, lowering her head to press her lips gently to his.

Kol kissed her back gently.

She knotted her fingers in his hair as she deepened the kiss.

"I hope you find happiness this year Asa. You deserve it."

"I hope you find happiness too, Kol,"

Kol chuckled and nodded.

"Why's that funny?"

"Happiness isn't my thing."

"You should make it your thing," Astrid replied with a quiet laugh, "You have a wonderful smile, a wonderful laugh. Makes you even more handsome, pretty boy,"

Kol just raised his eyebrows at her.

((Brb))

"Don't give me that look," Astrid grimaced, "I'm not lying."

Kol just rolled his eyes then and watched the fireworks.

She sighed softly and followed his gaze.

Kol was silent then.