"Katerina, I do believe you have overstayed your welcome."

Before him stood mirror images of the same woman, their only difference being the color of their shirts and the height of their heels. Both wore the same tense expression, but for different reasons. Both carefully watched him as he stepped further into the room and adjusted his tie as though he were entering a casual business meeting and not staring at the dopplegangers of Tatia. And in reality, knowing both the women before him so well, Elijah could accurately say it was as though Tatia had been split down the middle and all her violent tendencies had been given to Katerina while her compassion had been bestowed upon Elena.

"If you wish to die," he said, "You are more than welcome to stay." His attention was focused on Katerina, but out of the corner of his eye he could see Elena exhale in relief and step towards him. Her double seized her in a vice grip, but before she could go through with snapping the younger girl's neck, Elijah was there, hurling Katerina's body across the room and pinning her against the wall with his hand around her heart.

"Katerina," he said, "As much as I would enjoy ripping out your heart, I do not believe Elena should have to watch such a thing. I suggest you leave before I forget the standards of propriety." He released her and she staggered for a moment before rushing from the room faster than Elena could track. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped away as much of the blood on his hand as he could as he moved to Elena's side.

"How did you know it was me?" she asked, eyes flickering down to his hand now stained a dull orange. Elijah tucked it, along with the soiled cloth, into his jacket pocket. Dry cleaning would take care of any staining.

"I told you Elena," he said, "I can hear your heartbeat. And even if I couldn't, there is a distinct difference between you and Katerina." Elena rested her head on his shoulder and he draped an arm around her waist.

"Not like any other vampire notices," she muttered against the fabric of his jacket. She smiled when a chuckle reverberated throughout his body.

"Well, I am a special vampire." She laughed and rubbed her eyes, nuzzling his chest and wrapping her arms around him. She was so tired. All she wanted to do was sleep for a week.

"I'm so tired," she said. He lifted her into his arms with a practiced eased and she rested her head in the crook of his neck.

"You sleep," he said, "And I'll ensure you awake safely in your bed." She grinned and toyed with his tie as they vacated the building.

"Is sweeping girls off their feet part of being a special vampire?" she asked and was awarded with a smile.

"If it is any consolation, you are the only woman I have ever 'swept off her feet'."

"I suppose that makes me special?" He kissed her hair and her hand came to rest over the spot where his heart would have beat. If she closed her eyes and imagined hard enough, she could feel it. A slow, steady rhythm that never faltered- just like him.

"Yes, Elena," he said, "That makes you very special. Now sleep." She complied because she wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to fall asleep in Elijah's arms. It was a special occurrence fit for an equally special day.

"Happy birthday, Elijah," she said. Sleep took her before she could see his smile, but she could imagine it. Just like his heartbeat.

a/n: How many times do I have to say I don't own TVD? [despite the fact people would love it if I did because I wouldn't send the Originals packing like a certain Julie Plec?]

*cough, cough*

Fave, flame, faint.

oxox