VVV

Chapter 7- Let's Get Lost

Elena, for her part, sat looking like a deer caught in headlights, "What?" she breathed. "How can that be?"

"Solange?" Elijah questioned, his brow furrowed in thought.

"I'm not entirely certain how it could be possible, but he is there. Be it in spirit or in body." she answered.

"What is the meaning of that? 'In spirit or in body?'" Elijah demanded.

"A location spell is a delicate thing." the witch explained. "It can reveal where a living person is but it can also reveal the location of a spirit."

"I-I have to call...no, I have to get home." Elena panicked, as she stood, not hearing the explanation. Breathing erratically, she took a step away from the sofa, only to fall into a shaking, hysterical heap at Elijah's knee.

"Elena?" Elijah called gently, using his superior strength to pull her back up beside him. Uncertain as to how to properly comfort her, he hesitatingly wrapped his arms around her, resting her head on his broad chest, "Elena, if my brother is truly there..." he began, earning him an annoyed eye roll from the witch across the room. "and he is alive, who do you believe would be the most at risk from him?"

"I'm a vampire now." Elena responded, through her panic, pulling back enough to look up at him. "He couldn't use me anymore, like he couldn't use Katherine."

"You could still be in danger from him." he argued.

"So...what are you saying? That I should just stay here and let my friends be the sitting ducks?" she demanded, anger coating her tone as she pulled away from him.

"Elena, all I am asking is that you look at this rationally. I know Niklaus. If he is alive and you go back and he finds that he cannot use you or your blood any longer, he will kill you...if not in anger then for spite. Call your friends, warn them, but please do not go back Mystic Falls until we figure out if he is truly alive and, if so, what he is up to."

Elena looked into his eyes searchingly for a long moment, then nodded. She pulled her cell phone from her pocket, "Excuse me." she said, raising and stepping out of the parlor, heading for the kitchen.

VVV

Solange and Elijah watched her go, then the witch turned her steely gaze to him,"She certainly didn't take that news well." she said, scathingly.

"My brother has put her through Hell on earth, it is only natural for her to act that way."

She stared at him, "You're getting caught up with another Petrova, aren't you?" she scoffed.

"Solange..." he began, only to be interrupted.

"After what you told me about what happened with Katherine, I'm quite surprised."

"Elena is a friend, nothing more." he argued.

"Oh, of course, just a 'friend.'" she responded, sarcastically. "I can tell by the way you look at her, Elijah, you care for her."

He remained silent, not acknowledging or denying anything.

"These Petrova women can certainly ensnare you with their deceitful webs."

"Elena is not deceitful, you shouldn't speak of her so when you know nothing about her."

"She is Katherine's doppelgänger, that is already a mark against her in my book."

"She is nothing like Katherine."

"Perhaps on the surface, but if one where to dig deep enough I'm sure she would be no different than her predecessor."

"Thank you, Solange." Elijah snapped, irritated. "I trust you can find your own way out."

"Fine." she threw her hands up in surrender. "I'll go, but mark my words, Petrova's can only bring you trouble." she said, then left.

Elijah slumped backwards in his seat, closing his eyes. He only hoped that his defense of Elena proved to be truthful. He cared for her, he had admitted that to himself a while before. The fact that he had been about to kiss her before Solange had reappeared was proof enough of that. But he also knew that the Salvatore's still held a place in her heart, a place that he couldn't possibly compete with. Regardless, he found himself hoping, however vainly, that she had not wormed her way into his heart for nothing. And even if it was all for naught, he found himself vowing that he would protect her, especially from his brother, at all cost.

VVV

Elena leaned against the counter, frantically dialing Caroline's number and listening as the line rang for the umpteenth time. There was no answer. Worriedly, she dialed Bonnie's number.

"Hello?" Bonnie answered, after several rings.

"Bonnie! Oh, thank goodness!" Elena breathed.

"Elena?" she asked, sounding surprised, then, "What's wrong?" she demanded.

"Klaus...he's somehow still in Mystic Falls." she replied.

"How...did you find out?"

"You already knew?" Elena said, accusingly.

She heard Bonnie breathe a frustrated sigh on the other end, "Yes." she admitted. "Elena, what I'm about to tell you may give you grounds to hate me for the rest of eternity but I'm telling you anyway." she began, then explained in detail all that had happened.

Elena felt somewhat betrayed, yet thankful, all at once, "You...helped him?"

"Yes, I did it to save everyone." Bonnie decided to include the Salvatore's for Elena's sake.

"Wait, so he is truly alive?" Elena asked. 'And not some ghost running around?' she added mentally.

"Yes...unfortunately. But it's a good thing in a sense because, as you know, if he bites the dust you all do." Bonnie sighed again.

"I'm...thankful that you did what you did. But it's hard to believe that you willingly helped him." Elena shook her head, even though Bonnie couldn't see her.

"My mom is from his bloodline, I couldn't let her die." she reminded her. "And I couldn't stand back and watch as Caroline and so many of our friends died because of him." Bonnie paused.

"Speaking of Caroline. Have you heard from her? I tried calling her but there was no answer."

"She is probably with Tyler." Bonnie suggested. "But I'll try calling her after we're through talking."

"Thanks, I'm just so worried about everyone."

"We're all fine for now, Lena." she replied. "But back to my initial question...how did you find out about Klaus?"

"Um..." Elena wasn't sure how to begin. "I'm staying with a...friend who knows a witch. She did a locater spell and figured it out."

"And who is this 'friend?'"

Elena paused, "I...I can't say, Bon." For some reason she felt that anything having to do with Elijah should be kept a secret. She was afraid that if she told anyone back home, that Stefan and Damon would find out and they would try finding her again. Plus, her new...friendship with Elijah felt too...private to share. "But I'm safe, so there's no need for you to worry."

Bonnie was silent for a moment, "Alright, I trust you, Lena. Just be careful."

Elena hesitated for a second, "Bonnie, do you think that I should come back?" she asked, in a small voice. "I don't want to leave all of you there to deal with Klaus by yourselves."

"I think, and Caroline agrees with me, that anywhere away from Mystic Falls is the safest place for you at the moment. Klaus hasn't made any move against any of us, so we are all fine for now. Just keep yourself safe."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Besides we've all dealt with him before and come out alive. I'm sure we can all do it again if we have to."

"Alright." Elena said, slowly. "But Bonnie, promise me that if anything happens, you will call me."

"I promise."

"Thanks," she replied. "I'll talk to you later."

"Bye, Lena."

Elena pressed the end button and sighed, walking back into the parlor where Elijah sat waiting for her.

"Where is Solange?" she asked, glancing around the room for the slightly frightening witch.

"She showed herself out." he responded.

Elena nodded, falling unceremoniously down beside him on the sofa, running a hand over her face.

"What information did you gather from your friends?"

"Klaus is really alive." she began, then commenced explaining everything that she had discovered. "So Bonnie and Caroline believe that it's best if I stay away for a while." she finished.

"Well it seems that they agree with me." he replied. He was stunned after having his suspicions confirmed.

Elena sighed, interrupting his train of thought, "I don't how to feel." she said.

"What ever do you mean?"

"I mean that I don't know whether to feel betrayed, relieved, frustrated, thankful, or...scared." she explained. "If Bonnie hadn't done that spell, then everyone I know and love would be dead and yet I can't help but think what my life would have been like had he died."

"I can easily imagine your inner turmoil, I am in a similar state myself." He knew that he had been right in his assumption, but he just couldn't believe that his siblings would keep such news from him. He shook his head to clear it and turned back to the woman beside him, who was currently glaring down at the floor.

"I just...I feel like I should be doing something, anything." she threw her hands up in frustration. "I hate just letting everyone sit there, waiting for him to make the first move."

"I fear it is all we can do for now. I know my brother well, but not well enough to predict what he's going to do next."

Despite everything, Elena smirked, "I suppose that's true, otherwise you wouldn't have ended up daggered after the sacrifice."

Elijah placed a hand on his chest, over his heart, remembering, "Niklaus can be very deceiving and I was desperate to find my family."

"I know." Elena said, smile fading at his somber mood. She reached out and placed her hand over his own that was resting on the sofa between them. He, in turn, intertwined his fingers with hers. She glanced down at their hands, "Did I ever tell you how glad I was to see you when Damon undaggered you?"

He managed a smile, "I imagine you would have been happy to see anyone, with my sister trying to rip out your throat."

"True." Elena agreed. "But I'm happy it was you."

"I do not believe either of you ever told me what caused her to be so angry toward you." he urged, hoping that by changing the subject, he could alleviate some of her anxiety about Klaus.

Elena looked down bashfully, "I may have stabbed her in the back with a dagger."

At that answer, Elijah let out an unrestrained laugh, the first Elena had ever heard out of him, "You are a sneaky one with those daggers." he responded. "I honestly feel for Rebekah's pride. I know my own was truly wounded after you stabbed me."

Elena smirked, "Well, I did apologize for that. I don't think I ever got the chance to apologize to Rebekah."

"I do not imagine that she would ever give you a chance, my sister can be very stubborn in that sense. I would wager that she thought you would never do something like that to begin with."

Elena nodded in agreement, smiling. "You know, you are surprisingly good at distracting me from my troubling thoughts." she said, after a short silence.

"I am happy to be of service." he replied.

She glanced at him again and her mind suddenly raced back to earlier, before Solange had walked back into the room with the news of Klaus. She couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if that moment had been prolonged. She bit her lip and turned fully to him, "Elijah,...about earlier..." she began, unsure of just how to voice the question she wanted so badly to ask.

"'Earlier?'" he asked.

"Before Solange came back from doing the spell...what...what happened?"

Elijah swallowed dryly, abruptly finding the design of the throw rug fascinating, "I do not know what you mean." he responded, knowing exactly what she was talking about but was simply afraid to acknowledge it. In fact, he had been hoping to avoid the conversation altogether.

Elena looked away, blushing, and decided not to question him further. "Forget it." she mumbled, sounding rather embarrassed. "I'll just...um...go up to my room." She rose and headed for the door.

Elijah silently cursed himself, "Elena," he called. "wait!" She stopped in the doorway, but kept her back to him. He stood and sped over to stand in front of her, placing his hands on her slight shoulders, "I am sorry, Elena." he said, his brow furrowed in frustration, but he didn't elaborate further. They instead gazed at one another for a long while, then, "You mentioned feeling frightened." he eventually said, changing the subject again.

"Yes." she whispered.

"You have no reason to be. I promise you, Elena, that I will do everything in my power to protect you." he spoke aloud what had been his silent vow.

Hearing the conviction and promise in his voice, it was several moments before she could speak, "I appreciate that, Elijah, more than you know. But it's not me that I'm afraid for..." she trailed.

"It is your family and friends." he finished.

She nodded, "I couldn't live with myself if something else happened to them. I've already caused too much chaos in their lives."

His hands slid down her arms, until he tentatively gripped her hands. Then, surprisingly to her, his lips touched her forehead in a chaste kiss. "You are always going to be martyr, aren't you?"

Elena smiled shakily, suddenly nervous after feeling his lips on her skin, "Do you think I should change?"she whispered.

"Certainly not." he shook his head. "You would not be you, if you did."

"I'm glad you think so."

"I would never think otherwise." he smirked.

Elena smiled again, "I think I could use a good drink." she breathed.

"Yes, I think that I could as well." he said, stepping back into the parlor and walking over to a cabinet in the far corner, opening it up. "My apologies," he said, after a moment. "but I fear the strongest beverage that I have available is wine."

Elena made a dramatic gesture, "And here I thought that you were always one step ahead of everyone." she said, earning a her a smile.

"Usually I am, however, I rarely indulge in alcohol."

"Well, how about we go out?" Elena asked. She really needed a night out, just a little reprieve from the constant fear and worry.

"Out?" he asked, raising a brow.

"Out...as in a bar." she clarified.

"Are you certain that's a good idea?" he asked.

"Oh, come on...live a little." she prompted.

"Alright." he agreed, pacing toward the front hall, ready to grab his coat.

"Elijah...no offense, but do you ever wear anything aside from a suit?" she smirked, following along behind him. He stopped and turned around giving her a smile.

VVV

About an hour later, Elena found herself walking into a bar with Elijah in tow. Her commentary about his clothing had convinced him to change. He now, much to Elena's surprise, was wearing a pair of dark wash jeans, a white t-shirt and an expensive looking, black jacket.

"You are staring." he commented, as they slid into a back booth.

"Sorry, I've just never seen you look so...so..."

"Casual." he supplied.

"Casual." she agreed. "I'm surprised that you even own a pair of jeans."

"I keep them in back of my closet for rare occasions such as this." he explained.

"Right." she nodded.

"You seem to be in a better mood." he said, gesturing to one of the servers.

Elena sighed, "I've decided to promise myself that for this one evening, I'm going to forget about Klaus and all of my troubles back in Mystic Falls and just try to enjoy myself for once."

"That certainly sounds like a good plan." he agreed, turning toward the waiter as he arrived.

"What can I get you?" he asked.

Elijah turned to Elena, "Ladies first, Elena."

"I'll have some bourbon, please." she said.

"I'm sorry, but I'll have to see..."

Elijah cleared his throat, interrupting him mid sentence, and causing him to turn toward him, "You do not need an identification for her, she is old enough to drink." he compelled.

The man repeated the sentence, then, "Bourbon for you. What about you, sir?"

"The same, please."

"Thank you. That was much more subtle than what I can manage to do." Elena said, after he had walked away.

"The skill comes with practice, you will acquire subtlety with time."

"I hope so." she huffed, quietly. "I'm still not used to this whole being dead thing. I mean my emotions are constantly changing, one moment I feel like crying, then I feel like laughing hysterically, and then I feel angry. Is that normal?" she asked, she had been meaning to have this conversation with him for a while.

Elijah nodded, as their drinks arrived. "Yes." he said, after the human waiter left. "For a vampire, control not only means with holding ones blood lust but also dealing with the constant flow of emotion as well. Many cannot handle the struggle and, as they say, switch it off."

"Have you...ever been like that?" she asked, shyly, warily.

Elijah sighed, "During the first few years of my new life, I was just as confused and wild as any newly turned vampire. I did many things during that time that I still regret to this day. You should be glad that you had friends to help you through your transition, Elena...my siblings and I had no one."

She nodded, "So when did you become what you are now...moral, honorable?" she asked, then added, "If my questions are bothering you, please just say so. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"It is certainly no bother." he replied. "However, I thought that you were going to enjoy the evening and not trouble yourself with anything."

Elena shrugged, "I'm not going to trouble myself with anything having to do with Klaus or Mystic Falls. But I could definitely use your advice about some things." she explained, taking a sip of her liquor. "Plus, I'd just like to get to know you better, Elijah. You're such a mystery sometimes."

At her answer, he raised a brow and his eyes became bemused, "Well, to answer your question...I always tried to be moral and honorable, especially as a human. I think those qualities were amplified after my transformation and, after centuries spent mastering my control and self restraint, I have morphed into what I am now. " he trailed.

"I've never once seen you 'vamp out'...not even when I was bleeding right in front of you." she said. "I shudder to think how long it will take me to be able to be like that."

"With the proper help at your disposal, I would imagine that it would not take you very long to gain control."

"I wish it were that simple. I can't even be around a bleeding human, let alone drink from one. And I'm so terrified of killing someone."

"So how have you been surviving?" Elijah asked, taking a drink of his bourbon and feeling it burn its way down his throat.

"Blood bags." she answered, staring down at the table between them. "I tried Stefan's bunny diet but I just couldn't keep it down."

"So you haven't practiced the restraint needed to be able to drink from a human and let them live?"

"No." she shook her head for emphasis. "I just can't bring myself to do it."

Elijah sat silently for a moment, thinking about the potential options. He had an idea, one that could possibly help her, but was uncertain as to whether to it was really a good idea at all. 'Could I allow her to do this?' he asked himself. 'After everything you have done to her in the past, you can allow her this one reprieve.' he contemplated his decision. Ultimately he ended up voicing it aloud, against all of his inner protestations. "Have you ever tried drinking from another vampire?" he asked.

Elena's brow scrunched, "No, I haven't. I didn't even know that that was an option."

He downed the rest of his drink, then rose from his seat, "Come." he said.

"But...where are we going?" she asked.

"Home." he replied.

"But I...alright." she replied, not really wanting the outing to end so quickly.

A short time later, they arrived back at Elijah's house after having only spent a scant hour out, much to Elena's disappointment.

"So why did we cut the evening short?" she asked. 'Was it something I said?' she wondered, mentally.

"Well, I couldn't very well allow you to drink from me in public, could I?" he responded.

"What?!" she cried, her eyes wide with surprise.

"You need to learn restraint and I promised to help you. This may be the only way for you to overcome your inhibitions."

"Um...I...O-okay..." she trailed, unsure of really what to say. She stepped closer to him, only to have him grasp her shoulders.

"Elena, allow me to explain something first and then you can make your decision upon whether to take me up on my offer or not." he said, to which she nodded. He paused, gathering his thoughts, "Sharing blood is a very...personal, a very meaningful experience between vampires, Elena. It can be exceedingly euphoric." he explained, as Elena quirked a brow.

"'Euphoric?'" she repeated.

Elijah nodded, "Know that I have not made this decision lightly and that only a select few have ever willingly tasted my blood. The question is- do you still wish to try?"

Elena bit her lip, "Will this help me?" she asked, in a small voice.

"Yes...and, unlike a human, I'll be able to stop you if you begin taking too much."

Elena swallowed and mutely nodded her agreement.

Elijah released her shoulders and turned to perch upon the sofa. "Come here." he commanded, to which Elena acquiesced, standing awkwardly in front of him. "Are you certain that you wish to do this, Elena?" he asked, one last time.

"Yes." she whispered.

He reached out and pulled her toward him, until she stood between his legs. He held her waist firmly in his grip, "You're trembling." he noted, quietly.

"Nervous." she said, in a hoarse voice.

"Don't be." he said. "I will guide you."

Elena could feel her heart beat increase at the close proximity, being this close to Elijah was definitely new.

"Focus on my pulse. Do you see the beat of it in my neck?" he asked, baring his throat to her.

Elena nodded, "Yes."

"Then allow your instincts to take over...do not think about anything aside from your prey."

Elena watched, thoroughly fascinated, as his pulse thrummed beneath his skin. Lowering her nose to his neck, she sniffed in a manner much like he had done to her when they had first met. The scent of him was utterly divine and she felt her face change, her vampire self surfacing, her fangs extended.

Not wanting to cause him more pain than necessary, she gently bit into his skin. She could feel his sharp intake of breath at the gesture and she heard a slight gasp escape his lips, as she began to drink the leaking liquid. His blood tasted exquisite, delicious,...Elena couldn't find the correct term to use. It tasted like the vintage, perfectly aged wine that she had only once before indulged upon, as a human.

As she drank, she realized just why drinking from another vampire was 'euphoric.' She could sense him in every corner of her mind and she could feel everything that he feeling, from his pleasure to his pain. It was like they were truly connected as one being. She greedily drank and sucked on the wound until she felt him gently prying her loose. She made a noise of protest, not wanting to end the meal so quickly, but she allowed him to pull back.

It was then that she realized their awkward positioning, she was straddling his legs and he held her tightly in his arms. But even with this realization, she found that she couldn't bring herself to feel embarrassed. As she sat there staring into his eyes, darkened with some unknown emotion, she did the one thing that neither of them expected or anticipated. She leaned forward and captured his lips in a hungry, passionate kiss.

VVV

They finally kissed! Don't worry, I'm not going to just randomly and magically throw them together and have them live happily ever after. After all, Elena might just regret that kiss...or will she? What do you think will happen?

Okay, on another note, I know I'm a horrible person for waiting this long to update, but my brain simply refused to indulge in anything story related for a while. Then season 4, episode 2 happened with the whole the blood sharing idea and I just couldn't resist. In fact, the greater part of this chapter was written in the wee hours of the morning, when I just couldn't go to sleep for the ideas bouncing around in my mind. So the above long chapter is a result of inspiration and insomnia. Oh, and the title comes from "Let's Get Lost" by Beck and Bat for Lashes.

What do you all think of the new season so far? Are you as hyped about Elijah's return (when ever it may be) as I am? I know every time I watch, I check the names of the cast as they come on the screen and mentally say, "Come on, show me Daniel Gillies!" But I digress, nothing of him yet...can't wait till episode 4 though, for that flashback...Anyway, enough of my ramblings.

THANK YOU- hazelheart93, xXxWolvesInTheNightxXx, Samantha-Chelsea, SoUtHeRnBeLLe706, Katerina998877, Carlos Diaz III, siberia21, Caroline(Guest), KatieMarrie, Mari Wollsch, MagicalMemories, Scary-little-elf21, mandymichelle87, lets-not-go-there, Selena Angel, ErinCullen, FicLove29, abarth917, imagine808, TWD, SharonF, Gini Justice, TwistedInferno, fayedecouck, and HeartNimbus, for all of the feedback! Thank you all very, very much!