Disclaimer: Any recognisable characters are not of my own creation, but belong to L.J. Smith, the CW and their respective partners.
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Chapter 7: Choices
Elena,
I am not sure how to do this, typically, I have no trouble in wooing women, but of course, you are different. Therefore, I have decided to send you a letter every day until you decide to go on a date with me. I have to admit it sounds quite stupid even to me but I figured it would be the only way to capture your attention whilst remaining alive as far as Klaus is concerned. Please find attached to this letter my first gift to you (one of many, I'm sure). Women like presents, right? But from the little I have gathered about you, I'm certain you'll find a way to be insulted or something equally strange.
So considering the purpose of this letter, I ask, will you go on a date with me?
Best wishes,
Damon
Elena frowned as she finished the letter, slightly perturbed at how insistent Damon was going to be in his mission to win her back. The maid had brought her Damon's letter with her breakfast that morning, and Elena had been intrigued not recognizing the unfamiliar handwriting. Once she opened it, she realized whom exactly the letter was from. She felt confused first, thinking she had made herself perfectly clear the night previous. Nevertheless, as she read further on in the letter she was not quite sure how she felt. Part of her was furious that he had the pure audacity to insist upon her dating him, but another part of her was secretly pleased. True to its word, the letter had a small blue Velvet box with a white ribbon attached to it. Elena eyed it suspiciously before undoing the bow and opening the box. Inside, laid a pair of diamond cluster earrings, nestled in white satin. Elena gasped at the extravagant gift, and tilted the box watching as the sunlight played across the reflective surface of the earrings. Elena quickly shut the box, flinching at the loud snap that reverberated around the room. She quickly opened her bedside drawer and put both the letter, and the box inside, before shutting it.
"Out of sight, out of mind," Elena mumbled to herself, focusing on her breakfast.
…
Elena,
Judging by your lack of response, I am going to go ahead and guess you decided not to go on a date with me. Alas, I have not given up on you yet; it is early days after all. Are you disappointed, or pleased?
Did you like the earrings? I hope I did not spoil the surprise and that you actually opened the box and it is not just put it in some drawer to be forgotten about. Although, you strike me as rather curious, so I suspect you opened it first before squirrelling it away.
Along with this letter, there are flowers; I had the maid take the flowers to your room before Caroline could spot them.
Dearest Elena, will you go on a date with me?
Best wishes,
Damon
"Who is that from?" Caroline asked, trying to peek over Elena's arm to view the letter that morning at breakfast. Darn, Elena thought, finding it typical that the morning she was having breakfast downstairs she should happen to get a letter at that specific time.
"Uh, no one." Elena dodged, quickly folding up the letter and resting it under her plate; thankful Damon had had the foresight to have the flowers sent to her room. Both Klaus and Caroline eyed Elena suspiciously, as she had never previously been so secretive about anything, typically open about any thing you asked her.
Quickly changing the topic of conversation to avoid any fights Klaus asked, "So where do you ladies intend to go today?" Caroline and Elena had decided that day that they would finally do the sightseeing of Chicago; although Elena was sure, they would end up in some kind of clothes shop.
"Oh, we're just going to look around town, maybe go in the Museum, have lunch, that kind of thing." Caroline answered her husband distractedly, watching Elena as she stared steadfastly at her toast as if it were the most fascinating thing she had ever seen.
…
Elena popped back into her room after breakfast to pick up a cardigan and her purse. There, waiting on her desk were a vase of yellow gerberas, sunflowers and a mix of yellow and orange roses. Elena gasped at the sight, completely unsuspecting the bright array, thinking Damon would go the traditional route of red roses, or something equally seductive. She walked up to them, gently stroking a soft petal on a sunflower as she wondered where he had found the flowers at that time of year. Her eyes narrowed at his choice, thinking back to her mother's love of flower language. She hurried over to the bookshelf in her room where she had kept her mothers book on the subject. She quickly looked up each flower to see if it had any relevance to the choice. Yellow Gerberas: I will try harder to win your love, Sunflowers: Adoration, Yellow and Orange Roses: Passionate thoughts. Elena blushed at the last one, instantly recounting the last occasions they had been together. She could feel herself begrudgingly swooning over the gesture before slamming the book shut, setting it on the desk next to the vase. She frowned, although she was touched by the thoughtful gift, she determined she could not give in just yet, not until she had decided what to do.
She had already done so many things that she would have never expected to do, not even in Chicago. She had had illegal alcohol, been to a speakeasy, danced in a way that had most definitely not been ballroom, listened to jazz, and worse of all she had committed acts with a man, who was certainly not her husband. If everyone back home had somehow found out, she was sure everyone bar Jenna would be ashamed of her, and have her on the first train home before she disgraced the family name even further. She had heard about these girls back home. They went into the city perfectly respectable young women, and came back with short hair, even shorter hemlines, and lacking a certain innocence.
Knowing how people back home though of these girls, Elena felt conflicted. If she carried on with Damon, things would almost certainly escalate, with no way of return. She would give herself to a man who was not her husband, and she was certain she would most indefinitely enjoy it. He would most probably then toss her aside when he got bored with her, leaving her branded a slut, and perhaps even gifting her with a child out of wedlock, with no return to her previous life.
However, if she were to ignore all of his advances, wait until Jenna went back home and then returned, Elena could return home unblemished, with her innocence intact, and then be married off to the perfect suitor.
Elena knew this was the most certain option for her future. She knew it was the only way she could return home as if nothing had happened in the big bad city and ensure her a respectable future. Nevertheless, she could not decide if that was what she wanted. Twenty years down the line, would she regret not seeing how things progressed with Damon Salvatore? She knew right now there was no way she would receive a marriage proposal before things progressed, hell, she had only been in the same place as him a handful of times, there was no way she could be certain of love, let alone marriage. But, if she did not pursue this, she would never know if there truly could have been a future for her and Damon. But what would that future be like? Would it full of love, passion and excitement like she hoped? Or would it be brilliant for the first few years before he cheated on her, drank the family money away and eventually leave her with the children and a house she could not keep?
The uncertainty of that last scenario left Elena even more confused than ever. Should she rebuff every one of his advances while her reputation was intact, or should she take a chance at a passionate, loving, uncertain future?
…
Later that day Elena and Caroline were in a restaurant for lunch. They had just ordered and Elena turned to her best friend who was watching a mother cooing over her baby at a table close by, Caroline smiling widely at the sight.
"Is there something you need to tell me?" Elena asked, Caroline's attention snapping to her instantly.
"Um, no?" Caroline said, frowning slightly as she mentally sifted through the things that she needed to tell Elena, coming up empty.
Elena nodded her head to the table with the baby, smiling excitedly, "Are you with child?" She asked quietly, eyes twinkling in hope and elation.
Caroline slumped in her seat, suddenly looking defeated, giving Elena a sad smile. "No."
"Oh, well, not to fret, these things take time, right?" Elena said as brightly as she could feeling as though she had well and properly put her foot in it.
"Right." Caroline said quietly. Already feeling things become awkward, she took that moment to interrogate Elena over the letter at breakfast, squaring her shoulders she asked, "So, who was that letter really from this morning?"
Elena froze up at the conversation change, pausing her movements of nervously fiddling with the cutlery on the table. Eyes widening, she replied, "I told you, it's not important,"
"After everything Elena? You can tell me, you don't want me to worry do you?" Caroline asked, already starting to worry over what was contained in that letter, and she had a sinking feeling it was about Damon.
Sensing she was fighting a losing battle, Elena gave in, "I know you are currently thinking of it already, and if you are you're right, it was from Damon." Elena said quietly, fully expecting Caroline to go crazy.
Caroline took a few calming breaths, trying admirably to stay calm. "And what was it about?"
Feeling herself tense up, Elena braced herself, "Now don't get mad, but Damon wrote to me yesterday saying, that he was going to write to me every day until I agreed to go on a date with him." She said quickly finally taking a breath, watching the expression on her best friends face turn from anger to horror.
Their waiter came to their table with their orders, setting the plates down in front of them. Caroline waited for the waiter to leave before turning to Elena, "What the hell?"
"I know, I know. However, I have not replied, even though, he may or may not have sent me flowers and a pair of diamond earrings," Elena flinched as she braced herself for Caroline's reaction, hoping she would focus on the earrings, the least personal gift.
"Diamond earrings?" Caroline hissed quietly, her eyebrows raised, consciously trying to keep her voice down in the very public restaurant, as Elena felt relief over her concentration over the earrings. "Elena, what happened in that fucking hallway?!"
Elena's eyes widened as Caroline swore, suddenly feeling incredibly nervous. "He said he was sorry for everything, kind of, and well, you heard, he wants to win me back."
Caroline rubbed her forehead, trying to ease some of the tension she could feel seeping in. "And do you want to be won back by him?" She asked sounding tired of all the Damon and Elena drama.
"I don't know. I hate him for how weak he made me feel. We weren't even courting, so I don't know why it upset me so much. I understand that feeling this way after only a few encounters is irrational, but everything about this situation is irrational, and I have no idea what to do." Elena admitted and she saw Caroline soften slightly, her shoulders slumping slightly.
"You know how I feel about him. However, this is your decision Elena. If you want him to back off, I will personally make sure he does. If you want me to leave you to it, I'll do that too." Caroline conceded, deciding that Elena could deal with this herself, as long as she and Klaus kept a careful eye on Damon, and more specifically his fangs.
"I think I'm just going to need some more time to think." Elena said softly, grateful that for the time being she had Caroline off her back, regardless of which path she chose to take.
"For the record, if you're thinking about going on that date with him, give him hell." Caroline smiled at Elena, thrilled with the idea of Damon being lead along for once.
"Oh, trust me, I will." Elena said with a slight laugh and a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
…
Elena,
Still no reply? I must admit, patience is not one of my many talents and I feel myself growing impatient over your lack of response. Did you enjoy the flowers? More importantly, did you understand them? I will leave that for you to decipher if you do not know already. With this letter, I have sent chocolates, the best in all of Chicago; the truffles are my personal favorite. I cannot have you wasting away now, can I? Although I will whole-heartedly admit you looked ravishing at the ball, if a little too slim.
I heard there is a new play on at the theater and was thinking it would be perfect for our first date followed by dinner, do you not think?
Elena, you frustrating woman, will you go on a date with me?
DamonAs the letter said, there was indeed a red box with the letter, both left on her bed this time and Elena pulled the gold ribbon loose before pulling off the lid. She moved the gold tissue paper aside to reveal approximately twenty handcrafted chocolates, of many different types. As soon as the tissue paper moved aside the rich aroma hit her, and despite the fact she had had breakfast only ten minutes ago, Elena could feel her mouth watering. For the first time since her parents died, Elena actually wanted to eat something.
Deciding she had had enough of his 'wooing', Elena put the lid back on the box, opening her bedside table and pulling out the earrings, throwing them onto the bed along with the box, deciding she would send Damon back the gifts along with a message of her own. Elena moved over to the desk, sitting down and pulling out some writing paper and her Father's fountain pen.
Finishing the letter and feeling pleased with herself, Elena folded the paper carefully. Deciding to tease him, she lightly spritzed the paper with her perfume before sliding it into the envelope and sealing it shut. Elena longingly glanced at the flowers, sad that the bright accompaniment to her room would be gone. Before she even knew what she was doing, Elena was removing one of the orange roses, setting it aside from the others so she could keep one of the blooms in memory, whilst retaining that she had sent the gifts back.
Still at the desk, she scribbled a quick note to Caroline, telling her she was going into town by herself that day and that she would be home for dinner. Caroline had not been at breakfast that morning, one of the maids telling her Caroline had a headache that morning. Realising Klaus was not there either, Elena enquired as to his absence to the maid, who merely smiled before saying she had not been told about 'Mr. Mikaelson'. At the time she had shrugged, carrying on with her breakfast and it was only in that moment she realised what was really going on with her best friend and her husband.
Elena rolled her eyes, ringing the bell for the maid before running out into the hallway, slipping the note under Caroline's door, and running back into her room, skidding on the parquet floor in her stockings as she waited for the maid to arrive. Elena let out a relieved breath; glad she had not over heard any… marital relations this time. After the last few times she had overheard them upon walking past their room, Elena had taken to running whenever she had to pass the master bedroom, to limit her mental scarring.
"You rang miss?" The maid asked upon entering the room,
"Yes, thank you Mary, I was hoping you could have Andrew ready the car as quickly as possible. I would like to go into town," Elena said, picking up her purse for the day.
"Right away, Miss." Mary said, bowing her head and leaving the room quickly.
Elena put the velvet box with the earrings in her purse, stroking the surface longingly before snapping her purse shut, sad to see her first expensive present from a potential suitor go so quickly. Knowing Mary would have her coat ready for her downstairs Elena put the chocolates in her bedside table, just incase Caroline should stumble into her room at some point. She walked to the desk picking up the vase of flowers, her letter, and Damon's most recent with the return address on it. Luckily the vase of flowers were only small so she could see over the top of them as she juggled the items, walking out of the room and down the stairs where Mary and the chauffer Andrew were waiting for her.
"Here, Miss Gilbert, let me help you with that." Andrew said, carefully taking the flowers from Elena's hands. "I'll go put these in the car and start up the engine for you. Elena smiled gratefully turning to Mary who helped Elena with her coat.
The journey into the city center was quick and Elena got Andrew to stop at a florist before taking her to the post office. The postmaster gave her a most peculiar look as she handed over the items, paying the extra money to make sure she got them delivered that day.
Elena left the post office with a bright smile on her face, thoroughly pleased with herself for handling the Damon situation for that moment in time at least. Her plan would allow for a little more thinking time, whether she decided to allow Damon to court her, or whether she would refuse him entirely, both were possible outcomes for now.
…
"I am so glad I skipped breakfast," Caroline hummed lazily into her husbands chest, a slow smile spreading across her face as she relaxed into him more, feeling herself slowly come back down from the marathon sex high, feeling her breathing slow a little as she relaxed.
"Me too, love. It's been too long since we've spent the day in bed," Klaus grinned down at Caroline, pushing some damp blonde curls from her forehead as he looked at her lovingly,
"I figured our houseguest can fend for herself for a little while," Caroline sighed,
"Mmm? What changed your mind?" Klaus asked quietly, looking down at his wife and noting she looked forlorn,
"Elena is her own person. She's naïve, but I actually think she knows what she's doing," Caroline shrugged slightly, beginning to trace patterns along Klaus' chest,
"You know she wouldn't be going into this blind if you told her the truth," He said gently, bracing himself slightly for her adamant reaction,
"No, absolutely not. If Elena finds out we're vampires, about the organisation she will either run for the hills or want to get involved somehow. And I'm too selfish for either to happen." Caroline said with a surprising amount of calm, her attention still focused on Klaus' chest.
"You realize that if things with Damon progress she will find out anyway. Unless…" He trailed off, realising if he continued the sentence he may upset or worry Caroline.
Caroline pushed herself up, resting an arm on his chest and resting her head on her hand so she could look at him more clearly, "You mean unless he kills her first."
"Well, yes." Klaus grimaced, lightly stroking her back with the hand he had rested there as if the small gesture would reassure her somehow,
"The thought has crossed my mind. But I have warned Elena, tried to keep them apart, but I can't seem to. And that's up to her. I can only hope things will be different with them."
Klaus nodded understandingly as she continued, "Besides, I'm going to lose her eventually anyway, aren't I?"
Klaus pursed his lips; hating to have to reveal the difficulties of living for an eternity, "Yes love, and soon if she doesn't find out about us. She will have questions when you don't age."
Caroline nodded sadly, looking at him with watery eyes, "She asked me the other day if I am pregnant."
Klaus sighed, his heart breaking as her lower lip trembled, wishing he could give her everything she ever longed for, "Oh, sweetheart." He murmured, cupping the side of her face before gently tugging her down so he could hug her, kissing the top of her head and squeezing her tightly as she sniffled into his chest.
"I love you," She whispered quietly, her voice husky,
"And I love you." He replied, lightly stroking her hair as he continued to comfort her.
…
In the late afternoon, there was a knock on Damon's door. Tilting his head, Damon listened intently noting the sound of a human heartbeat. He sighed, setting down his copy of "This Side of Paradise" By F. Scott Fitzgerald next to his glass of bourbon. He answered the door to find a delivery boy, holding a large cardboard box and a letter.
"Mister Damon Salvatore?" The boy asked brightly, smacking his gum as he waited for a response,
Damon narrowed his eyes as he noticed the heads of yellow and orange blooms peeking over the edge of the cardboard box, "Yes?" He asked suspiciously, eyeing the boy,
"Delivery. Have a nice day now," The boy told Damon with a smug little grin, handing over the box and turning on his heel to leave the building.
Had Damon not been completely and utterly surprised upon looking down at the contents of the box, he was certain he would have torn out the boy's spine for his pure smugness. He turned to shut the door, walking into his study and setting the box on the desk so he could get a better look at the items, carefully taking them out one by one. Firstly, the flowers, then the blue velvet box. He swiped the letter next, ripping the envelope open; knowing the contents of the box could only be from one infuriating woman.
To Damon,
No, I will not go on a date with you. I am rather enjoying the current company and myself very much so, and do not feel the need to add to that company, especially not with you. Please find accompanying this letter the flowers and earrings you sent me. Yes, I did decipher your little message, and have sent one of my own. Moreover, I am going to eat the chocolates.
Elena.
P.S., I prefer the opera.
Damon chuckled upon reaching the end of the letter, shaking his head. Peering into the box he spotted a single, striped Carnation, picking it up he spun the stem in his fingers, having never received one; he still knew what it meant, refusal.
He grinned to himself, setting down the letter and the carnation, pulling out his best writing paper and a pen, he crumpled the envelope he had intended to be for the next letter, throwing it over his shoulder, he started anew, his confidence feeling bolstered, despite her apparent refusal. She had obviously wanted to appear unaffected by his letters and gifts, but he knew he had affected her very much, or else she would not have reacted in such a way. He wrote haphazardly, a new plan already forming. As soon as he was finished, he took the cardboard box, and headed to the post office himself.
…
Elena perused the display in front of her, eyes flicking from decorative bauble, to brightly colored trinket as she tried to decide what to buy Jenna for her upcoming birthday. Whilst at the post office she had remembered her aunt's birthday was coming, and had sent the driver home, telling him she would either call when she was finished, or get a taxi. Therefore, she found herself in one of the fancy new department stores, looking at the gift displays in order to find something suitable for Jenna. She decided on a colorful, heavy mirror compact, and a tube of the latest, most fashionable red lipstick, knowing Jenna would enjoy the gifts from the city immensely, as well as her niece's new knowledge on the latest cosmetics.
At the checkout counter, the sales girl was gift-wrapping the items for her when Elena heard her name being spoken. She turned quickly; surprisingly catching sight of Katherine Pierce, shopping bag in one hand as she casually waved with the other, smirk firmly in place. Elena felt like dying a little inside as she slouched, waving back before indicating she would be a moment. She paid the sales girl, fumbling with the money and snatching up her purchases, accepting the change with a weak smile, she turned to walk to where Katherine stood waiting for her.
"Hello, Katherine," Elena greeted as enthusiastically as she could muster up, feeling like a mouse that a cat liked to play with before killing it.
"Elena dear," Katherine chirped back, leaning in to kiss Elena's cheek in greeting, "Whatever are you doing here all alone?" Katherine asked, finding it strange that Caroline had unglued herself from her best friends side with Damon on the prowl.
"Caroline wasn't feeling very well today and I had some errands to run," Elena answered keeping her fake smile plastered in place.
"Oh how terrible, well, send her my best wishes when you get back. Are you hungry? I am starved, just about to get lunch actually, would you like to join me?" Katherine asked, making Elena feel as though she really did not have a choice in the matter.
"That would be lovely." Elena told her, smile still firmly in place, feeling as though Katherine had a hidden agenda as to why she was inviting her to lunch, and with a sinking feeling, she guessed she knew exactly what, or who the agenda was.
Katherine seemed shortly surprised that Elena accepted the offer so quickly, "Brilliant. I know just the place, follow me," She said before turning on her heel without so much as even a backward glance at Elena, fully expecting her to follow. Elena sighed, following just as expected. The short journey across the street and down the sidewalk was not as awkward as Elena had originally thought, with both parties keeping up the pleasantries on the weather, and the day so far. It wasn't until they were seated and eating their lunch that Katherine dropped the Damon bomb,
"So, you and Damon. How's that going?" Katherine asked innocently, tilting her head as she patiently waited for her answer,
Almost choking on her mouthful of food, Elena swallowed, clearing her throat before trying to dodge the question, "I, uh, there isn't really much to tell." She stuttered, failing miserably at trying to act casual,
"Come now Elena, no need to be shy. Not only did I catch you and Damon the other night at the ball, but also I am with Stefan. I hear all about how Klaus rants over this whole situation, how Damon seems different, how he and Rebekah are no longer as close as they use to be. I would very much so like to hear your side of things." Katherine said, putting special emphasis on 'close' so Elena would know what she meant by the term, and judging by her grimace, Elena knew exactly what she had meant.
"I can't quite decide what is going on. I know exactly what he wants from me, but I cannot decide if it's in my best interest or not to give it to him." Elena gave in, knowing sooner or later Katherine would get everything she possibly could out of her.
"You think he just wants you for sex." Katherine stated bluntly, ignoring Elena's widening eyes and the shocked looks and glares the pair received from their neighbouring patrons.
"Well, yes. Isn't that much obvious?" Elena said quietly, eyes shifting from side to side self consciously,
"Judging by the other night, most definitely." Katherine said, fully enjoying watching Elena squirm in her seat, finding it cute how she worried about what the people around them thought of her. "But Elena, as much as I hate to admit it, Damon does not just chase anyone for a little tail. If he just wanted sex he could get it anywhere, from anyone, it would not have to be you. The fact he is pursuing you speaks volumes."
Elena considered what Katherine had said with a furrowed brow, mouth pursed, "I suppose you are right," she said, Katherine's words bouncing around her head,
"I know," Katherine shrugged, giving Elena a devilish smile, "Now, what is he doing now? What evil plan has he concocted? Judging by what happened at the ball he is going to need something pretty special to make up for, whatever it is he did to you," Katherine waved a hand absently,
"You mean for sleeping with Rebekah?" Elena asked, frowning at how blasé Katherine seemed at the concept,
"Dear, you and Damon are not together, a man like him has his needs, what did you expect?" Katherine asked, an eyebrow raised,
"I don't know." Elena huffed, fully confused about this modern attitude towards relationships.
"You are jealous," Katherine mused, a smile of her face as her voice took on a teasing tone, "You are jealous that confused little Damon went to Rebekah instead of you!"
"Katherine, stop! I am not jealous! He, he lead me on for the whole evening at the club, then goes and… you know, with her. What am I suppose to think?" Elena whispered, angry at the mere idea of being jealous at Damon and Rebekah,
"You are so jealous," Katherine sang quietly, smiling brightly as she teased Elena further.
Elena huffed, rolling her eyes, "Maybe a little. I mean have you seen Rebekah? How can I compete with that?"
"Ah, so you want to compete." Katherine stated, catching Elena out with her wording,
"You are very frustrating. I understand why Caroline doesn't like you," Elena blurted, heart stuttering as she realised what she said. Katherine simply laughed, that bright smile of hers that was so rare to see coming back into play,
"I get why Damon likes you, you have fire." Katherine complimented, still laughing under her breath, "And Caroline doesn't like me because I call her out on her shit,"
Elena shifted in her seat at the cuss, still, of all the things she was not use to it was the swearing. "I can see that, now you mention it." Elena mumbled, still slightly embarrassed at her outburst, "And to answer your previous question, Damon has started sending me letters."
"Letters?" Katherine asked, her smile dropping as she frowned slightly,
"Yes. One a day, three so far, each with a present." Elena clarified, figuring if Katherine would not put up with any of Caroline's nonsense she may help her see clearly through this whole Damon situation.
"What kind of presents?" Katherine asked, eyes narrowing, wondering if Damon had noticed that sending lingerie to Elena would only hinder his cause,
"Diamond earrings, flowers, chocolates today." Elena listed, feeling a little as though she were under interrogation,
"What kind of flowers?"
"Yellow Gerberas, Sunflowers, Yellow and Orange Roses," Elena replied, the interrogation style the conversation had taken continuing,
Katherine nodded, the smirk coming back into place, "He has thought carefully about this,"
"Is he always this cunning?" Elena asked, getting the vibe from Katherine that she had known the Salvatore brothers a long time.
"You haven't seen anything yet."
…
A/N:
Thank you so much to those of you who reviewed in the last chapter, I love hearing from you! What would you like to see in the next chapter?