Title: Finding Christmas
Author: Alysia
Summary: Two former lovers are reunited after years apart. AH/AU/Elijah.
Disclaimer: I don't own any characters familiar to TVD or TO.
Author's Note: Anything written in italics is meant to be a flashback. I have been working and re-working this since the end of May. I had thought about posting this sooner, but with Christmas only days away, I figured there was no better time to post this.

Chapter 1

"Elena, sweetheart, it's wonderful to see you," Klaus Mikaelson said, opening the door for her. He pulled her into his arms for a hug.

"I'm here too," a small, indignant voice said, announcing her presence.

Klaus smiled at the young girl. "Peyton, is that you? I almost didn't recognize you, you've grown so much since I saw you last." He kneeled down and opened his arms for a hug.

When the young girl pulled away from him, she shook her head. "You saw me last week, silly," she chided.

He laughed at her. "I'm glad you're here tonight. I believe, and I could be wrong, but I thought I saw a present for you under the tree."

Both adults chuckled when her eyes widened and she began shifting in her spot. "Really?"

"Hope is in the family room, why don't you join her?" He suggested.

With a hopeful expression on her youthful face, Peyton turned to her mother. "Can I, mommy?"

Elena smiled in encouragement. "I'm sure Hope's been waiting for you." When Peyton dashed into the house, Elena turned to Klaus. "I'm sorry for the change in plans, but Damon was called into work."

"It isn't an issue," he assured her. "Caroline already had her present wrapped. Even if she had been with her father tonight, you would have been bringing the present home anyway."

"Still, I am sorry for the short notice. I hope I didn't put your mother out." Every year Esther Mikaelson threw a Christmas party, it always fell a week before the actual day, but children weren't the usual guests.

"Are you kidding? My mother is already on me about making Hope a big sister, and she loves seeing Peyton." Esther Mikaelson doted on her granddaughter and had been eager for more grandchildren.

Elena shook her head. "I bet Caroline's eyes get big every time it's mentioned…" She'd introduced Caroline to Klaus at a charity event a year ago and the two had hit it off. Caroline hadn't been the first woman he'd dated since his divorce and he'd learned the hard way about introducing someone to his daughter. He and Caroline had officially been dating for several months before she was introduced to his daughter.

He chuckled. "Thankfully, my mother has a bit of tact, so far the only person she's mentioned it to is me." When he was younger, his parents had set him up with a daughter of a friend of theirs. It worked in the way that the two had been married after college. As both he and Hayley had been so focused on their careers, neither was in hurry to start a family. Hope had been a huge twist in their plans, but he hadn't regretted it. From the first moment that he looked into his daughter's eyes, he was a goner.

The sound of laughter filtered out from the house. "Klaus, is there a reason why you haven't invited me in yet?"

"I'm sorry, Elena," he apologized, his face taking on an expression of severity. "I wanted to call you earlier, but things were so hectic around here making sure the deliveries were on time and you've seen how my mother gets when it comes to one of her parties…"

She wasn't sure what she was going to hear, but she was sure she wasn't going to like it. "Klaus, what is it?"

"He's back."

And just like that, it was as if her world tilted on its axis. For so many years she'd dreamed of hearing those words, but in that moment, she almost felt sick to her stomach. "He's here?"

"He's inside," he nodded.

"Oh." Her heart began to pound. For years, she'd imagined what their reunion would be like. At first, she pictured roses and romance; he'd sweep her off her feet and apologize profusely for leaving her. And then she'd met Damon, and the thought of a reunion hadn't been so sweet. She wondered how he reacted upon learning about her daughter, that she'd so obviously moved on. "How is he? Is he…I mean, he didn't bring anyone…with him, did he?" What if he had? Would she be able to handle it? Mentally shaking her head, Elena supposed that she would have had no choice but to handle it. It didn't matter that she'd moved on or that she had a daughter, she still loved Elijah just as much as she had when she was in college.

He offered her a small smile. "No, he's single…as far as I know." At least he wasn't serious enough with anyone to bring home with him. "I know it isn't much, but I wanted to warn you before you came face to face with him." He escorted her in the house and took her jacket.

She cast a glance around the foyer. When a waiter approached with a tray of champagne flutes, she grabbed one and tossed the contents down in two easy gulps. "Where's Caroline?"

"She was in the family room with Hope when I left to answer the door…" He led her into the room and Elena's eyes immediately singled out her daughter. She was already huddled near the large and ornate Christmas tree with Hope, the two sifting through elegantly wrapped gifts. She watched the two girls whisper and giggle with one another. After her relationship with Elijah ended, she'd maintained a friendship with the rest of his family. Peyton and Hope, only born months apart, were thick as thieves.

"By the way, I don't think I commented on it, you look breathtaking tonight," Klaus said, having noticed her unease. "When the dancing starts, I will expect a dance with you."

She knew he was attempting to put her at ease and she offered him a grateful smile. "Thank you…as for the dancing, I'll see if I can fit you in. My dance card might be full," she joked.

"You never know…like I said, you look smashing tonight," he repeated.

Elena rolled her eyes at him. "You do realize that you have a girlfriend, right? You don't need to lay it on so thick…" Before she could continue on, she felt someone bump into her from behind.

"I am very sorry, I wasn't paying-"

Upon hearing the voice, Elena's eyes widened and she spun around. "Elijah?"

"Elijah, are you okay? You've been distant from the moment you picked me up…and then the party." They hadn't really had a chance to talk. "You've been avoiding me all night," Elena Gilbert pointed out quietly. "What's wrong?" While he had never been an open book, she felt that she knew him well enough to know when something was bothering him.

"I'm sorry, lovely," his apology was full of sincerity. "My mind has been elsewhere all night." Holding up his hand, he waited for her to accept it before pulling her onto the couch with him. "This wasn't how I envisioned your visit going."

"I'm here for the next week, you have plenty of time to make it up to me," she replied, smirking at him. Stretching her body out, she reached out to kiss him. When the arm around her back tightened and he raised his free hand up to cup her cheek, she lost herself in the sensation.

When oxygen became an issue, Elijah finally pulled his mouth away from hers, but not before placing one last kiss on her lips. "I love you," he breathed.

Growing confused by his actions, Elena forced a small smile onto her face. "I love you too. Elijah, what's wrong?"

"I've been promoted. The company is expanding and they've asked me to run the new office."

She shook her head, not grasping the seriousness behind his words. "That's wonderful." Aside from the fact that his father ran the company, from his first day, Elijah did what he could to show the rest of the employees that he belonged there. Afraid of the stigma of nepotism, he worked more than most entry level employees and swiftly rose in the ranks. "And, of course they'd have you do it, you've worked your ass off."

"The new branch is in Paris."

"Paris…you're moving to Paris…" she wilted against him. "When?"

"They want me there the day after Christmas."

She shook her head. "But that's only days away, how can they expect you to move to another country with so little noti-" She cut herself off. "You've known about this for a while, haven't you?"

"I didn't want to tell you over the phone," he excused weakly.

She pushed herself away from him. "So…you wait until two days before Christmas to tell me?"

"I understand you're upset-"

"Damn right I'm upset!" She bit out. "You should have told me sooner, Elijah. I had a right to know."

He nodded along with her. "I know," he sighed. "I've thought about telling you dozens of times, but I…"

"There is nothing you can say that will excuse you not saying anything sooner. Elijah, this doesn't just affect you."

"I know," he replied. Reaching over, he grasped her hand. When she didn't pull it away, he began tracing a thumb against it. "I…it's what I've been working for my entire life. My father has been grooming me for this since I was twelve." He never thought the family business would go international, but he always knew that he would one day take over as CEO, this was just another stepping stone to get to that point. "I never thought that…you…took my breath away from the moment we met. I never thought that that the awkward freshman I met that day would come to mean so much to me."

But she had. Elena had effortlessly become such an important part of his life in such a seemingly small amount of time. Looking back, he supposed it was inevitable that he fell for her the way he had. It was her first day of college and they'd run into one another, literally. She'd been so focused on getting her schedule and books that she'd barely spared him a glance. It was the first time that a girl had so carelessly dismissed him. And then it seemed as if fate threw them together multiple times after that. After their fourth run-in, he'd taken the hint and started chatting with her. It had only been platonic…at first. By the time they'd gone on their first date, he was days away from graduating. As their relationship began to grow, he'd entered the work force. It wasn't ideal, being five hours away from one another, but they'd done what they could to make it work. And it had, for the last three years.

She felt completely torn. A part of her wanted to scream at him for keeping such a secret from her while another part of her wanted to beg him to stay in the states. "I don't know what to say," she confessed after a moment of contemplation. She knew that nothing would get accomplished by yelling at him, and she didn't want to spend the rest of their time together fighting. And as much as she wanted to ask him to consider staying, she knew she wouldn't. She knew he loved her, but she also knew that he loved his family and would do anything to please his father. If Mr. Mikaelson wanted him to run the new branch, Elijah would do it. "So this is it, isn't it? These last few days and then…nothing?"

"It's been difficult enough being five hours away from you, but me living in another country?"

"I…I could wait for you…" She could, couldn't she? They spent enough time apart as it was. "Graduation is only six months away, we can make it work until then, and…I don't know, maybe I can-"

He shook his head. "I'm not going to ask you to drop everything and move to another country to be with me."

"You wouldn't be asking," she replied quietly. While she knew that she was still young, when she'd looked at her future, she had started to envision it with Elijah by her side.

"No, Elena. I don't want you to give up your entire life to…you deserve more. You deserve someone that can put you first, and right now…I can't," he confessed softly. "I can't be that person for you."

She wanted to point out that he could be that person, but wisely, she kept her mouth shut. "You really have the worst timing ever," she said, forcing her gaze to the glowing Christmas tree across the room. Tears blurred her vision and she began to wonder how many Christmas' to come would be tainted by this moment. "I can't believe that this is it."

Christmas had never been the same for her after that. For the first few months, she'd mourned the end of their relationship. And when she finally returned to the land of the living, Christmas had become her least favorite holiday. It took years before she could enjoy it and even then, the man before her could sneak into her thoughts and rob whatever happiness she experienced that holiday.

"Elena…" His words almost sounded like a prayer. "What are you doing here?" He knew it was awful of him, but in the ten years he'd been away, he never asked about her. It was too painful.

"Oh, I-"

"Mommy!" Her excited daughter broke into their conversation. "Look at how large this is! And Hope asked if I could stay the night. Can I?"

She had long since given up on Elijah returning, but that didn't mean she'd stopped thinking about him altogether. Occasionally, the stray thought would rise and she wondered how she would mention her daughter to him and his reaction. Biting her lip, Elena supposed this was as good a way as ever. "I don't know, Peyton. The only reason you were with me tonight was because daddy had to work," she reminded her daughter softly. "What if he wants to see you tomorrow?"

Peyton pouted. "Please, mommy."

"I'll call your father," Elena said.

Her daughter nodded. "Okay." Her attention moved to the man standing with her mother and Hope's daddy. He was staring at her mommy and with a weird expression on his face. "Who are you?"

"Peyton Elizabeth Gilbert!" Elena chided. "Don't be rude." Pulling Peyton in front of her, she settled a hand on each of her shoulders. "Peyton, this is an old friend of mommy's. Elijah, this is my daughter."

Elijah stared at the young girl, unable to form a sentence. He'd assumed that that Elena would move on and have a family. He'd been crazy about her, and if things hadn't worked out the way they had, he could have envisioned marrying her. However, assuming and seeing were two different things and he was left momentarily breathless. Other than the difference in the color of their hair, Peyton looked just like her mother and again, he felt an invisible fist clench around his heart. He was pulled from his thoughts when he felt his brother give him a nudge. "Hello there…"

Peyton offered him a small smile before turning back to her mother. "Can you call daddy now?"

"Relax, Peyton. Even if he says 'no,' we'll be here for a while yet."

Her shoulders drooped as she nodded at her mother. "Okay," she said softly, turning back towards Hope and Caroline.

Klaus nervously looked from Elena to Elijah and then back again. He cleared his throat. "What was that?" He called out. "I'll be right there, Caroline! Excuse me."

Elena narrowed her gaze on him, knowing full well her friend hadn't called for him. "Coward," she hissed as he stepped past her.

"You have a daughter," the words almost came out a whisper. His eyes immediately sought out the ring finger of her left hand. It was bare and there was no hint that anything had ever rested on it.

Elena smiled, her gaze falling on Peyton. "She's the light of my life," she replied before turning back to him. "I…you seemed so shocked."

He felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment. "Yes, I'm afraid to admit that whenever I spoke to my family I never made a point in asking about you," he whispered.

She shook her head, a rueful smile making a way on her lips. "Of course. You had no problem leaving me behind, I don't know why I assumed you'd care to ask about me…" She chided in a quiet voice. After all that time. The months she spent crying over him and their failed relationship and he so easily dismissed her! Gah! Why did she have to be such a bleeding heart?! "If you'll excuse me," she hissed as quietly as she could.

Sensing that she'd taken his words the wrong way, he instantly grabbed her arm to stop her from leaving. "I didn't…it was too painful to hear about you. I'm sorry that my words were interpreted otherwise." She made no move to leave his presence, but she still wouldn't meet his gaze. "She's beautiful, Elena."

She nodded slowly before turning back to him. "I'm…I overreacted. I…" she expelled a deep breath. "I wasn't anticipating seeing you tonight," Elena admitted.

"I understand," he'd felt the same way upon seeing her. "So, I know you mentioned Peyton's father…your husband or boyfriend?" He asked, his voice taking on a particular tone.

She narrowed her gaze on him. "You know I'm not married, I saw you search my ring finger," she said flatly.

He chuckled. "That is a quality I've always admired in you," Elijah admitted. She'd never been afraid to call him out on his bullshit.

Elena could do nothing other than shrug. "Things between her father and I didn't work out. It's not an ideal situation, but we make it work." Growing up, she'd always assumed that she would one day have a family, but it was always under the assumption that she'd be married first. Although she supposed it could have been worse. She and Damon could have married and then gone through a divorce. She cleared her throat, clearing her thoughts. "So…you're back…just visiting?"

"For the time being," he admitted. "However, I'm making arrangements to move back." He'd opened the branch and managed to make it just as successful as it was in the states. His father no longer needed him in France babysitting it. It was time to return. "I return after the New Year to pack up my things and officially turn the company over and I'll be back."

"Esther must be thrilled," she noted as the pair fell into an uncomfortable silence. "I...this is really awkward, isn't it?"

He chuckled. "A bit, yes," he admitted, but feeling more at ease because he knew he wasn't the only one feeling the tension.