One shot: Elijah and Elena dance at the Winter Ball, a newly established event in Mystic Falls hosted by Klaus (by force) and Mrs. Lockwood.
"Miss Elena,"
A voice shocked her to life, bringing her out of a daydream so vivid it seemed impossible to return to reality. Of course, she had been distracted by the easiest things lately; she figured her imagination was catching up to her.
The voice belonged to Elijah Mikaelson; a statuesque, charming – yet dark, man who was pleasant to the eye. A vampire, yet a gentleman above all, Elijah was the only Original Elena had admired in any way.
Lately, he had dazzled her, and to her surprise – she loved it. There was distinct difference in Elijah and Stefan's composure and for reasons she couldn't explain, it was easy to distinguish between the two. None in Stefan nor Damon's favor.
She decided to answer him, turning from Caroline's mutual expression. Had she even noticed Elijah standing before them? Or was she more relaxed, had it been the brother of a certain man? In any reason, Caroline made no comment and excused herself gently.
"Elijah," She answered finally. "How are you?"
The man smiled handsomely. "I am well, thank you," He replied. "I was hoping you would do me the honor?"
In that moment, he held out his hand with a proud smirk splashed across his face. Had it been any other man in the room, she would have sweetly denied. But Elijah was able to convince any woman, superior or not, without any compulsion. As a result, she took his hand in hers before they sauntered out into the center.
It was not easy to dance with a man who had been alive when it had been originated, nor was it easy to keep your eyes off of a slimming tux, but she managed. Elena had been used to that lately; acting.
"Is there a reason you asked me to dance?" She wondered, curiously.
Elijah raised an eyebrow. "Do I need an excuse to dance with a beautiful woman?"
Elena could have blushed if she weren't so focused on making herself look dignified. Instead, she straightened her back and arranged her feet to match the pace of his.
"I guess I was just surprised," She answered. "I've never seen you so sure."
He was perplexed; it was easy to see. "What do you mean?" His chocolate eyes narrowed, Elena cautioned herself.
She didn't really understand it herself, but she could accomplish a reason.
"You've never shown any…" She searched for the correct word, feeling his gaze pour into her skin like a warming liquid. "Opinion of me. In public, I mean."
Elijah seemed hurt. "Have I come across that way?" He considered. "I apologize."
Elena shook her head, carefully. "I didn't mean it that…-"
"There's no need to apologize, Elena," He interrupted. "I understand what you mean."
In that moment, she decided it was now to confront him.
Three weeks ago, just as Elena was beginning to feel comfortable in her own skin and those around her, Rebekah caught sight of her and taunted her with the emotions of her brother. Elena had listened intently, but denied all of it without contrast. She was sure that whatever Rebekah was telling her was pure fables.
But what if it had been true?
"Elijah," Elena started. "I wanted to ask you a question."