-I don't own these characters-
Angel of Darkness Forever- Wow. That's quite the compliment. The pressure is on!
Elejah88- Thanks for reviewing . In my other fics I feel like I've rushed the process a bit, so I don't want them to get together quite so soon.
Delenaaaaa- Thanks for reviewing, hopefully I don't disappoint.
"Are you sure you don't want to do something fun tonight? It is your 18th birthday, Elena." Caroline whined whilst curling Elena's hair.
"I'm sure, Caroline." Elena looked at her though the mirror. "My parents set aside time to take me out for dinner, and I plan to use that time wisely."
She would take any time her parents could set aside for her. They were busy people, she didn't hold a grudge though. They literally saved lives for a living. How could she express her feelings in a way that wouldn't seem selfish?
She sighed as she flattened out the front of her dress and assessed herself in the mirror. She rarely curled her hair, preferring to have it straightened, but she appreciated the effort Caroline went to. She smiled happily and joined her parents in the kitchen after saying goodbye to her best friend.
"Honey, you look wonderful." Elena smiled as her dad placed a kiss on the crown of her head.
Her mother's eyes glistened. "You look beautiful, Elena. I can't believe you're 18 already."
"Okay, let's go." Her dad herded them out the door. "We don't want to lose our table."
Her parents had booked a table at her favourite restaurant in town. It wasn't a posh establishment, but the food was great and Elena had been going there all her life. The owners treated her like family and she couldn't think of anywhere better to spend her 18th birthday. She just wished Jeremy was here. Her parents had said they could make some calls and bring him home for a day, but she didn't want to compromise his recovery.
It was 7pm and they had arrived at the front of the restaurant. As soon as they walked in the hostess greeted them with a bright smile.
"The Gilberts. I was wondering when I'd see you again, let me show you to your table." She led them around the room to the same table they would always sit at when they were here.
They sat down with their menu's and looked over the specials. A futile effort, they knew, because they would always order the same thing as usual. Elena would swear on her heart that they served the best lasagne in the world here. She couldn't resist it.
"There she is." The owner of the restaurant, Ellen, came out and gave Elena a big hug. "I can't believe you're 18 already. It seems like only yesterday you were in here with chocolate cake smeared all over your face."
Elena turned red with embarrassment as her parents laughed at the nostalgia.
"Here." Ellen, reached behind her back. "Since it's your birthday." She plopped a party hat on Elena's head that read '18 TODAY'.
"Thanks." Elena smiled, Ellen always was a bit kooky.
"Okay, I'll go tell the chef you'll have your usual." She left taking their menus with her.
The dinner was pleasant and Elena was having a really great night, she laughed more that night than she had in weeks. Just as Elena was about to begin another story about Jeremy from when they were young children, her mother's phone went off. And then her dads. They looked at each other solemnly before answering.
Elena knew this routine. There was an emergency at the hospital. It must have been a big accident if the both of them were needed. Her mother hung up sounding frustrated.
"Sweetie, I'm sorry, there's an emergency and they need us right away." She reached across the table to clasp her daughters hand. "I really wish we could stay."
Elena valiantly held in her tears and didn't let her face show the sadness she felt inside. "It's okay."
Her parents looked at her dejectedly.
"Go." She ushered them. "Save lives."
Her parents stood and handed her some money to pay for dinner, abandoning their mostly eaten meals.
"I'm sorry, honey." Her dad apologised. "We'll make it up to you."
"You always do…" Elena muttered to herself as they walked away from her. The waiter returned and took their plates away.
She pulled the hat from her head and dropped it on the table. She sighed brokenly as she rested one hand under her chin.
"I hope I'm not interrupting."
She looked up to see Mr Mikaelson standing over her, looking as handsome as ever, in a navy-blue suit.
"Um, no not at all." She managed to speak.
"Are you here alone, Miss Gilbert?" He looked around the room before his gaze landed back on her.
She sat up a bit straighter. "I was with my parents but they had to leave."
Elijah looked at her despondent expression. "Would you care for some company?" His heart beat a little faster.
Elena didn't know what to say. "Sure." It was the only word she could think of in that moment.
He pulled out the chair next to Elena's and sat down. He was fidgeting with his hands, so picked up her party hat to seem less nervous.
"Happy birthday."
"Thank you, Mr Mikaelson." She blushed a little, she always did when he was around.
"Please, we're not in school, call me Elijah." He offered.
Elijah. She tested the name in her mind. She never knew it before now, but what else would it be? It suited him perfectly.
"Okay, Elijah." She smiled. "But only if you call me Elena."
"Those terms seem satisfactory." They smiled at their attempt at banter.
"So, what were you doing here if you don't mind me asking?"
He shook his head. "I was having a drink. Sometimes marking essays gets a bit stressful."
Elena sympathised with him. "I can imagine."
Ellen once again made her way over to her table. "Elena, Peter told me your parents left. You're staying for dessert I hope?"
"I'm not sure…"
"I know it's not on the menu but, I had Erik make your favourite." She looked hopeful.
Elena smiled. "Well, you know I can't turn down that offer."
"Great!" She finally acknowledged Elena wasn't alone. "Oh, I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met."
"Elijah Mikaelson." He held his hand out and she shook it, introducing herself.
"Will you be joining, Elena?"
Elijah looked to her for permission. "If that would be acceptable?" She nodded her head.
Ellen made her retreat back to the kitchen.
"You don't have to stay you know?" Elena didn't want to keep him from anything, she especially didn't want him feeling sorry for her.
"How could I leave you alone on your birthday?" He raised an eyebrow.
A small smile found its way onto her face.
"Why did your parents leave so suddenly?" He was curious as to why she was left by herself. On her birthday. That just wouldn't do.
"There was an emergency at the hospital." She explained. "They're surgeons so there was nothing they could do."
Elijah seemed to understand more. He reclined into his chair as their waiter brought over two plates. Elena watched as Elijah examined his plate.
"Petit Gateau." Elena supplied for him. "Have you ever had it?"
"I can't say I have." Elena smiled.
"Oh, you'll love it."
Elena's smile was infectious, he smiled back and thought about how normal this felt. That he should be sitting in restaurants with Elena, smiling across at her over dessert. He looked back down to his plate and Elena watched for his reaction as he sliced into the cake with his spoon. The corners of his mouth turned upwards as a lava lake of chocolate poured out of the centre.
Elena began to eat her own. It was her favourite for a reason, it wasn't on the menu often and frankly she was glad. If it was up to her she would eat it every day.
Elijah smiled at the small noises of appreciation she made. He looked up and had to hold back a groan as her tongue came out and swiped across her bottom lip, seconds before her spoon disappeared into her mouth. Licking it clean. She was completely oblivious to what she was doing to him.
He snapped back into reality as she looked at him with a sweet smile on her face. He had to ask himself if this was really happening. He was with her on her birthday and it was the greatest feeling in the world.
All too soon though, they had finished dessert and Elena payed the bill with the money her parents had left her. Elijah had tried to step in and pay for her but she simply wouldn't have it, stating her parents had left her more than enough money. He relented.
Before they could leave the table, Elena's friend, Ellen, made her way over.
"Okay, Elena, it's a birthday tradition." She pulled a camera from behind her back.
"Not this year, Ellen."
She frowned.
"Do you see my family here?" She gestured around the restaurant.
"Well, I'm sure Elijah will take a photo with you." She nodded excitedly at him. His eyes widened slightly.
"I don't think-" Elena started.
Ellen threw her hands up in the air. "You let me take a photo on your birthday every year. I have an album of them since you were five years old! I won't skip a year, young lady."
Elena felt thoroughly chastised. Elijah chuckled slightly at the look on Elena's face. Ellen snapped her head in his direction.
She clicked her fingers. "Move your chair around."
He shuffled it a bit. "Closer. I need you in the frame."
He swallowed hard and Elena looked at him from the corner of her eye, her head bowed slightly. When Ellen was happy with where they were seated, she grinned.
"Okay, nice big smiles now."
Elena grinned into the camera as Elijah smiled and glanced at her face. She really was beautiful. The flash went off. Elijah panicked, she would see him looking at her like that.
The polaroid came out and Ellen snapped it away from Elena's prying hands.
"Are you ever going to let me see these photos?" she hmphed.
"Hm, one day maybe." And with that she left.
"How are you getting home?" He asked her as they left the restaurant.
"Um, my parents drove here, so I guess I'm walking."
"Allow me to escort you."
Elena looked at him. Elijah was such a gentleman, not just to her, everyone he met he treated with respect.
"That would be lovely, thank you." He held an arm out indicating for her to lead the way. She did, and they walked at a leisurely pace through the cool streets. Elena wasn't cold though, she welcomed the breeze as it hid how flushed she really was. The part of town they were in was mostly empty, it was Saturday night, so everyone who was out would be at one of the few bars they had or the club in the nearest town a few miles away.
They spoke on the walk, and joked and shared laughs. Elena imagined that they were headed home together after a date. Her eyes closed momentarily as she thought of how perfect it felt. She should have kept her eyes open because she didn't see the upturned slate on the floor, it was too late to do anything as her foot came into contact with it.
She squealed and braced her body to come into contact with hard concrete. The pain never came as Elijah had reacted quickly and gripped her arms and pulled her into his body.
Elena was breathing hard as she felt Elijah's breath hit her cheek. She opened her eyes and her mouth opened slightly at how close they were. Elijah removed his hands and stepped away from her once she was sure she could stand.
"You need to be more careful." His tone was slightly cold.
She nodded her head. "It seems I don't need anyone's help to hit the ground."
Elijah smirked at her attempt to lighten the situation. "No, you don't. Although, I would sleep easier at night if I knew you would watch where you are going."
She laughed lightly as they continued walking in the direction of her house. They rounded the corner of her street and Elena was saddened slightly that their time together was over.
"This is me." She pointed to a large house, that had no lights on inside and seemed devoid of life.
"Your parents aren't home yet." He stated.
"I imagine they'll just stay at the hospital all night and come back in the morning." She said trying her hardest not to sound bitter. "That's usually what they do when there's a big accident."
Elijah looked at his watch. It was only 8.30. He couldn't believe he was about to do this.
"Well, if you would like, I can stay for a while."
Elena schooled her features. "You don't have anything important to do tonight?"
He shook his head. You are important.
"I don't want you to be alone on your birthday." He lied slightly. Yes, he didn't want her to be alone, but he desperately wanted to be with her on this special day.
"If you're sure." She said shrugging her shoulders. "I wouldn't mind some company."
He nodded as she opened her front door and flicked on the light switch. He took in the room, seeing a multitude of family portraits cover the walls. He smiled at a picture of Elena from when she couldn't have been more than 3 years old, holding a small boy in her lap.
Elena closed the door and watched him take in the room, assessing the photos on the walls. She led him through to the kitchen. It was the most neutral area she thought. She couldn't believe that he was in her house.
"Would you like something to drink?" Elena offered over her shoulder.
This was the first time he could really appreciate her dress. The table at the restaurant had obscured most of it and the walk home was too dark to see much. It was a pale lavender and reached just above her knees. The top flaunted her shoulders with thin spaghetti straps. It was a more modest dress than some girls of Elena's age liked to wear, but it showed the perfect amount of skin in his opinion. Concealing most of her chest but the tight material clung to her body in a way which made his mouth dry.
"Yes, coffee will be fine, thank you." He coughed.
He took a seat at the bar on the island in the middle of the room. He watched her kick off her shoes and shrink a few inches as she walked around the room.
He thanked her as she sat a mug down in front of him. He blew on the liquid and sipped hesitantly. He put it down and waited for it to cool.
"So, did you have a good birthday?"
She set her cup down and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"I did. I would have liked it better if my brother could be here." she smiled sadly.
"Your brother? The young man with you in those photos?"
"Jeremy, yeah." She sighed. "He's living in Denver for a while. He struggled with addiction."
"That must be tough." He sympathised.
"Yeah, he fought with depression after his girlfriend died and couldn't handle it." Her eyes moistened slightly.
"Tough for you also."
She looked up from the counter. "Yeah. I miss him a lot. He should be home soon though." She smiled at that and Elijah changed the topic to something lighter hearted.
They somehow came onto the topic of dating and it didn't occur to either of them, that this was a dangerous subject considering their relationship.
"I haven't been on a date in a long while." Elijah smirked.
"Why not?" Elena asked him.
He shrugged.
Elena scoffed. "Please."
"What?" He was confused.
"You're the total package."
Elijah choked on his coffee and winced as some burnt his skin through his shirt.
"Aw, want me to kiss it better?" Elena asked far too sweetly.
What was she doing? Elijah's heart almost flew out his chest.
Elena smirked and laughed a little at his expression.
"I'm teasing you, Elijah." She picked up their mugs and took them to the sink.
What a little mix. Two can play at that game.
"You should be careful, I might just take you up on that offer." He heard Elena's little gasp and smirked as she turned around.
She let out a breath as she saw his face. "You're teasing me." She folded her arms.
Elijah tried and failed to look innocent. "I'll get you back for that you know."
"I can't wait." He winked at her and checked his watch it was almost 10. "I better get going."
She walked him to the front door where he put his coat back on.
"Thank you, Elijah." She said in a small voice.
"What for?"
"You sort of saved my birthday."
He looked at her affectionately before she raised her head and he looked away.
"It was my pleasure." He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. A complete gentleman, she thought.
She opened her door and watched him walk down the drive, she waved at him as he turned around and gave her one last look.
Elena closed her door and slid down the back of it. She looked at the hand that moments ago had Elijah's lips pressed against it. A shiver went down her spine at the memory. She stood after a few minutes and made her way upstairs, changing into her pyjamas. This would surely be a birthday she would never forget.
Elijah's POV.
Elijah breathed heavily as he walked away from Elena's house. He turned around and saw her standing in the doorway. She waved to him. He waved back and watched as she closed the door.
Did all that really happen? If he wasn't mistaken, Elena was flirting with him. She was so ingenuous she had unknowingly been teasing him all night.
He shivered at the memory of Elena's skin on his lips. He was so sure she would pull her hand away and kick him out, that he had imagined the connection between them. But she hadn't, and he had never been so thankful.
The walk back to his house was relatively short. He thought over the night and wondered how their new dynamic would change things in school. It was a risky game they were playing, but he didn't want to stop. He ran his hands through his hair as he thought about the risks, but the image of Elena smiling and her reddened face when he teased her told him that she was worth it all.