LIGHT AFTER DARK.
The smell of oak filled the halls with a pleasant reminder of nature. The dim lights created the atmosphere of fall. Elena walked slowly through the school, still looking for one of her classrooms. To her surprise she didn't feel lost or uncomfortable. Her mind constantly wandered off to delightful things and she also felt that her school life was incredible and she even began to have doubts whether she would go back to Mystic Falls after the school year. This Parisian freedom was just too wonderful to give up! The large wooden doors all seemed the same to her and only if you looked closely could you see the small number engravings upon them, so Elena had to go to each door in the corridor. Standing in front of one, again the wrong one, it suddenly opened and she found herself standing in front of Damon. Elena mum with surprise, looked intently at Damon, who didn't look surprised at all. He simply smiled and was followed out by the principal. The lady introduced Elena to Damon who appeared very awkward; all the while Elena still couldn't understand why Damon would once again choose to teach at her school. After the principal left with a very formal goodbye, Damon turned to Elena and smiled.
"Why are you teaching here?" Elena exclaimed in surprise and appeared very angry. Damon, as if he had expected this outburst, calmly approached her and looking her straight in the eye said;
"I needed to be close to you," Elena's heart spun, but she remained her calm exterior and awaited further explanation, "I am not going to teach you. It's not going to be Mystic Falls all over again," Damon smiled and took her hands in his, "Please, you must understand," Elena did, but she couldn't believe he didn't tell her about it before. She did want the same proximity to him as he did to her, but if she would have known about this, Elena would have tried to talk him out of it in any case. Damon being a teacher at her school and her boyfriend at the same time still didn't have a good ring to it and it was just trouble waiting to happen.
"You should have told me before. It affects me too," Damon leaned in close, not even looking around to see if anyone was there. Elena did, however, and the halls were still empty. He pressed his lips against hers softly enjoying the pleasant freshness of them in the dark, romantic Paris school. Elena placed her hands on his chest and gently clung to his shirt. Damon broke their kiss and asked in a silky voice;
"Do you forgive me?" Elena gave out a small laugh and replied, "There's nothing to forgive," And they locked lips again. This time Elena truly meant what she said, because as much as she was disappointed that Damon didn't inform her about his decision Elena liked the idea that they would now be able to see each other before four o'clock in the afternoon. She felt like they were both finally settling into the Parisian lifestyle and that they were on their way to becoming a real couple. Of course, they knew they would not be able to cuddle or kiss in school halls, but both Elena and Damon didn't even have an intention of doing so if they were allowed, because to them that seemed a bit sleazy.
After her school day, Elena met Damon once again. They went to a fancy restaurant in the heart of Paris. It was truly romantic and the more Elena spent time with Damon, the more she fell in love with him, the same with Damon and his love for Elena. They were now inseparable. Sitting at their round, white table, they cuddled and observed the other people at the restaurant and the place itself. The restaurant was entirely candlelit and had white walls, there was a large bar in one corner and it was buzzing with business men and women who were drinking either a glass of wine or having a coffee. The floor was covered with round tables and they were all taken. Decorated with an elegant candle holder they looked truly luxurious along with the rest of the place. Elena pushed even closer to Damon, having him embrace her completely. Damon rested his head upon hers, whilst her head was resting upon his shoulder. It was clear that Elena was tired, so Damon decided he should treat her to a wonderful meal, because that was the least he could do.
When they were down to their cappuccinos Damon suddenly mentioned casually;
"I've found an apartment here in Paris that I am planning to rent. It's too expensive to spend an entire year at a hotel," Elena looked up, her eyes glistening. The thought of Damon having an apartment pleased her, because she had never been a fan of hotels and Elena knew that Damon's apartment would most certainly be extremely cozy. Feeling herself smile, Elena felt quite silly, but she genuinely liked the idea. Damon laughed, "I suppose that you agree with that,"
"I think it's a marvelous idea. Where is the apartment?" Elena inquired and tried to seem very calm and composed, but she knew Damon saw right through her. Elena also wanted to hear it from Damon that she would be invited to come over, because she did not want to sound too forceful by saying that she would love to go there. Elena's heart jumped as Damon spoke further;
"It is very near the Champs. It does have somewhat of a high rent, but I think I can manage it. Right next to it is a chocolaterie, which I have already visited and I found it to be charming," Damon reached into his pocket and brought out a dark blue box tied with a golden bow and handed it to Elena. Elena put it in her bag and Damon understood because after a three course meal they were not yet ready to have chocolates. What Elena most wondered about was how was Damon able to spoil her so much? His pay as a teacher was definitely reasonable but not that impressive for him to rent an apartment next to the Champs-Élysées and afford expensive meals such as the one they were having right now. It was clear that Damon was still hiding something from her, but as long as it did not interfere with her life Elena decided to leave it. She smiled and gave him her hand and he took it and caressed it gently. The clear blue eyes watching her every move had now become Elena's life and she could not wish for more.
The following morning Elena awoke with a pleasant feeling. The thought that she would be able to see Damon so soon made the butterflies in her stomach spin, dance and jump. Elena had woken up earlier than usual only to go out for a morning breakfast. Rain drizzled and dark clouds passed over her head as she walked the slightly empty streets of Paris. Leaves fell from the trees and were blown in every direction. Elena was bathed in them as she walked underneath the large maples and was relieved when she finally reached the espresso shop. Elena ordered an espresso with dark chocolate and a croissant. Elena sat and enjoyed the view outside the large glass window. The rain had now begun to pour and the wind, now stronger than ever, was blowing the trees left and right. Once she had finished her breakfast, Elena rushed through the storm and when she reached the school Elena was dripping from head to toe.
First lesson being English Elena couldn't wait. When the class began she listened intently to her teacher's words about the book they were now reading which was 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov. Then in the middle of the teacher's monologue, a note was thrown on her table from her side. Elena looked to her right and noticed that two seats over was Klaus. He grinned and motioned with his head for her to open the note. Elena opened it and the words read; Looks like you've found your own Humbert Humbert. The devastation and surprise were clearly visible on Elena's face. Elena knew that Klaus was terribly wrong, but his words kept passing through her mind. Her eyes turned to him and she saw that his smug grin had become twice its previous size and Elena felt so disgusted with him. The truth was that she loved Damon and Damon was nothing like the middle aged man portrayed in the book. Also she knew that Klaus had meant it somewhat as a threat that he would be able to expose them, but Elena knew that if the truth came out, that she was with Damon, he wasn't her teacher but they would be the talk of the school, but nothing could affect them now. The lesson seemed to last for eternity and once it was over Elena rushed out of the classroom so she wouldn't have to face Klaus.
Elena met Damon during her break outside of the school. He waited for her in his perfect first day attire which was a suit. Damon looked incredibly sharp and once Elena saw him she couldn't believe that a man so handsome could be her boyfriend. They talked for a while and Elena told him that Klaus knows but his reaction was not very alarmed. Damon also mentioned that he was going to look at the apartment this afternoon and he invited Elena along and she gladly accepted. The break was coming to an end and the couple parted with a quick kiss. Elena rushed to her next class, but was stopped straight in her tracks once again by the man she clearly despised. Klaus looked her over and he seemed surprised and Elena attributed his surprise to her lack of alarm and worry. Klaus ran a hand through his hair and smugly spoke;
"You don't seem too worried to me, only angry and full of hate. I suppose that's to be expected. But I don't want you to hate me Elena. I am just trying to do what's best for you," With that Elena pushed him aside and went on to her classroom. Klaus was something that she hated about Paris. To an outside observer he appeared to be charming and lovely but now that she had come to know his true nature, she couldn't bear his presence even for a moment. The thought of him fluttering around her for a whole year made her incredibly angry.
Once her lessons were over, Elena rushed to the old oak tree outside the school grounds where she and Damon had agreed to meet. Finally Damon made an appearance and they walked all the way to the apartment building encountering many beautiful sights along the way, but also they encountered dreadful weather. The rain had not stopped and the wind had now become frightfully cold, but as they walked side by side in their warm jackets they felt no cold. Also they were used to this type of weather because Mystic Falls wasn't exactly known for its hot and sunny weather conditions. As they arrived at the building Elena immediately noticed the little chocolate shop right beside it. The display of macaroons and pralines made her hungry for something sweet but she knew they had to look at the loft first. They met the owner of the apartment and he agreed to let them go in without him with pleasure. They entered and immediately they were in the living room which was very bright due to large windows. It had a beautiful hardwood floor and beige coloured walls. The living room led to the bedroom and bathroom on one side and the kitchen on the other. It was a lovely place and had a good feel to it, and when Damon turned to Elena inquiring if he should rent the place Elena nodded in approval.
When they left the place Damon led Elena to a small coffee shop near the Champs and they enjoyed a perfectly fresh and delicious latte. It was already seven and getting quite dark outside. The rain had finally stopped but it was still quite crisp outside, so being in a warm café under a blanket was perfect for and evening like this. Elena spoke to Damon about her uncertainty of how long she plans to stay in Paris, but once she was done Damon leaned in and said;
"I'll stay here as long as you are here," Elena's cheeks blushed and she caressed Damon's cheek with her hand. The love they felt for each other was indescribable and it was unfortunate that neither of them realized the true feelings the other had. But at the same time, isn't that what love should be? A pinch of uncertainty and being able to feel anxious and overwhelmed at times. They sat in comfortable silence and observed the weather and darkening skies until Damon mentioned that they should probably go. And with that they left and Damon once again invited Elena to his hotel. This time his only intentions were to relax and perhaps watch a film or two.
In his hotel Elena now felt at ease. Perhaps it was because Damon seemed different this time. They had bought chocolates and champagne previously and now both were opened and with a French film by the name of La Vérité, running in the background they savored the moment. Damon fed Elena chocolate by chocolate because he loved to see her enjoy them so much and as they drank their second glass of champagne, Damon could see that Elena's cheeks were now decorated with a slightly rosy colour and that she was beginning to get dizzy. They now curled up in bed and turned to the film which was now half over and within minutes Damon could feel Elena was asleep. He looked at her and could feel her peaceful breathing. Gently he tucked her in and set the alarm for a very early hour. Staying up for some time Damon couldn't keep his eyes off Elena. She looked so beautiful, that he couldn't believe his eyes. Trying to focus on anything other than her, Damon finally fell asleep whilst reading.
The succeeding morning Elena was awoken by a sharp sound by her ear. Opening her eyes slowly she could feel that a hand moved over her and turned off an alarm. Elena sat up in bed and saw Damon next to her, looking terribly asleep. Elena knew that she had to go and get ready for another day in school, but she felt so comfortable that it was impossible to get out from underneath the warm duvet. Damon however was still sleeping and Elena decided to get ready in his hotel rather than go back to her room at the school. After she put the duvet on Damon and made sure he was no longer freezing she entered the bathroom. Before cleaning herself up Elena carefully inspected the contents of Damon's bathroom. Everything was expensive being a product of a high brand; his cologne, his shampoo, his shaving cream. Elena combed her hair and washed her face and deeming herself to look good after a night of staying up late and having champagne reentered the bedroom. Damon was now up and murmured the words Good morning. Elena approached the bed and ran her hand through his hair gently. Damon wasted no time and pulled her down next to him passionately and with that same feeling kissed her. Holding her tight in his arms he ran his hands all over her, stopping at the small of her back and again moving to her beautiful face. After a long and lustful kiss, they came up for breath and as Elena looked at Damon she saw that his eyes were watery. Damon must have noticed Elena see him.
"You make me happy," Damon whispered through her dark, chocolate hair into her ear.
Note/ It surprises me how much I love writing a note. Without it I just can't publish a new chapter! I am still loving the Paris setting, but I must warn you that the next chapter will be full of drama in every aspect. I hope you were pleased with this overly romantic chapter!