Ariana sat at the back of Alaric's classroom, her hands trailing gently against her book which had been specifically made from brail for her. The ex vampire hunter ranted at the front of the classroom and occasionally, the new student Rebekah would cut in.

Ariana recognized the girls beautiful British accent but she couldn't place where it was from, she was also very aware of the fact that Stefan sat beside her...with no emotions. But she decided that she wouldn't ponder too far and instead focused in the lesson.

"Aria" Stefan whispered to her when the lesson was over and the girl jolted gently at the sudden sound, she felt his hand place over hers and was slightly fearful.

"Stef?"

"I'm not gonna hurt you" he promised and his words were entirely true, he couldn't explain why but he had no desire to hurt the blind girl, instead he was drawn to her, her emotionless eyes sparked something in him that he slightly wished to push away, guilt.

He felt guilt that he'd left her and went with Klaus, she was Stefan's sister now and he refused to deny that, the fact that he had caused her pain was sparked when he saw the familiarity of her hollow gaze.

"Why not?"

''I don't know" he coughed gently "would you like me to take you to the football pitch? Caroline said she was going to meet you there right?"

"Yes, thank you" she took his hand and he guided her down the hallways and onto the pitch, he did however make sure she didn't step in mud as she still wore her pristine white heels.

"Here we go" he grinned and looked over at Elena who was running in the track, in doing so his emotions flickered away, leaving him with only darkness within. "I'm leaving now"

"Thanks again" she giggled and sat on the nearest metal bench she could find, listening as the cheerleaders exited the gym.

"Aria!" Caroline squealed and ran to her "I'm so sorry! I left you all alone in history! I had to be quick because we need to replace Dana and ....I'm just so sorry!"

"It's fine Care, go and cheer." She beamed and was gifted a hug before the preppy Cheerleaders presence vanished.

----

"Hello?" She tilted her head at the new voice which graced her ears, she could tell distinctly that the person sat to her right and so she turned slightly. It was clearly the new girl, Rebekah, by the beautiful accent.

"Rebekah?"

"How did you know who I was?"

"Your voice gave it away, you have a beautiful accent" she complimented and Rebekah grinned, Klaus wasn't lying when he said that the blind Gilbert girl was much nicer than her selfish twin.

"Thank you, your voice is also very beautiful"

"Thank you, I go to Julliard music school"

"Wow, that's amazing, what are you doing here?"

"I'm taking a break, I only had a term of tuition left and they said I could do it from home"

"Well, I'm glad you are here, you seem to be the only decent person around here" the blonde original sighed.

"Are you related to Niklaus?"

"Yes"

"I knew I recognized your voice from someone" Ariana giggles. "Nik is very kind to me."

"He Is?" Rebekah was shocked yet pleased.

"Yes, but he might just be taking pity on me"

"Why would he do that?"

"Because I'm blind. Everyone pity's the blind, but we see more than you think" she gave her a side smile, causing Rebekah to giggle.

"What's that supposed to be hinting little one?"

"It means that as we sit in silence, not noticed, we hear everything." She grinned "everyone calls me little one" Ariana giggled.

"That is because you are very little"

"Is that a bad thing?" She queried warily like a toddler.

"No, it is not, it just means that you might be weaker so be careful okay?"

"Okay"

"Promise?"

"I promise" she grins "are we friends now Rebekah?" She asked in hope.

"Of course we are but first things first" the blonde giggled to the distant looking brunette.

"What?"

"What's your name?" They both laughed.

"Ariana Gilbert. And it's a pleasure to meet you Rebekah Mikaelson"

"it's a pleasure to meet you Ariana Gilbert."

-----

"Come on Ariana, we need to go in and see Damon" Elena tried to persuade her sister who was sleeping in the passenger seat, the smallest Gilbert was resisting Elena's demands but she knew she'd lose the battle.

"I don't wanna, I'm tired" she mumbled out and it was produced in a slightly slurred way which was completely adorable. Suddenly her door opened and she shivered. "W- who's there?"

"Damon, come on you little monkey" he grabbed her beneath the arms like a toddler and picked her up, her head flopping onto his shoulder as she drifted back into sleep, the raven haired Salvatore carried her inside with Elena trailing behind.

"What can I do for you Elena?" He asked as he carried Ariana up the stairs, he entered his room and fell onto his bed, repositioning Aria on his chest.

"Yeah, you can help me, we need to sort everything out with Mikael....now!" She grumbled, seeing Ariana lying on Damon was making her jealousy bubble.

"I know, he's downstairs with the rest of the paw patrol" (

"This is serious Damon!"

"Well what are you waiting for, have at it!" He couldn't deny the fact that he didn't want to move, he himself was tired and Ariana radiated warmth.

"Damon!"

"What?!" Ariana shuddered when she heard the raised voiced, her eyes opened but she of course saw nothing. She smelt Damon's scent and felt his shirt beneath her hands, she smiled sleepily and dozed off again, snuggling closer to his warm body.

"Good job Damon, you woke her up"

"What is wrong with you? Why do you talk about her as if she's some crappy dusty porcelain doll your ancient grandma gave you? She's a human being Elena and she's the same age as you!"

"I treat her like she's a doll because I have to look after her twenty four seven! I can't do anything I want to do because I'm burdened by her!" Elena ranted, unknowing to her, Caroline, Bonnie and Rebekah were standing in the doorway.

"Do you really feel that way?" A harmonious whisper breathed and they all looked down at Aria who was sobbing into Damon's navy blue shirt.

"Yes ! Okay?! Yes I do!" The selfish doppelganger yelled and strides away, flagged by Bonnie and Caroline.

"Does everyone feel that way?" She cried and Damon rubbed her back, holding her gently in his warm arms.

"She's a bitch Little one, don't listen to her" Rebekah informed with a smile, despite the fact that Ariana couldn't see it.

"Go back to sleep monkey, it'll all be over in the morning" Damon cooed and Ariana sobbed herself to sleep, watched affectionately by Damon and Rebekah.

"Monkey?" The original queried and Damon glared gently at her.

"Yes" he responded coldly

"Why?"

"Every time she hears me, she hugs me like a monkey does"

"That's adorable"

"She is isn't she?"